Ferris State Knocks Off Division I Detroit Mercy In Road Exhibition Contest

Ferris State Knocks Off Division I Detroit Mercy In Road Exhibition Contest

Detroit, Mich. - The Ferris State University men's basketball squad pulled off the upset over NCAA Division I Detroit Mercy on Monday (Nov. 7) night as the Bulldogs topped the Titans 85-79 in exhibition action at historic Calihan Hall in the Motor City.

Ferris State, which was coming off a preseason setback at #7 Xavier on Saturday night, jumped out to a 49-35 halftime lead and led by as many as 18 points in the second half before holding off Detroit Mercy down the stretch for its second win over a D1 opponent in two years.

The Bulldogs shot 46% from the floor, including a 52.9% effort in the opening half and outrebounded the Titans 51-42 in posting the exhibition victory.

Four Bulldogs reached double-figure scoring in the win with junior guard Drew Cushingberry leading the way with 15 points. FSU also received 14 points from redshirt freshman guard Greg Williams along with 12 by redshirt freshman forward Cole Walker.

In addition, sophomore center Zach Hankins had a big game for FSU with 12 points, 14 rebounds and six blocked shots in the contest while shooting six-of-nine from the floor.

Overall, the Bulldogs had 12 players see action and 10 scored in the win over Detroit.

The Titans were led by Corey Allen with a game-high 19 points. Five UD players reached double-figures with Aaron Foster-Smith adding 15 points, Jaleel Hogan scoring 12 points, Jarod Williams chipping in 10 points and Gerald Blackshear totaling 10 points.

Along with the four players in double-figures for FSU, the Bulldogs also received nine points and five assists from junior Peter Firlik with freshman guard D'angelo Hughes recording eight points and three assists. Markese Mayfield pulled down 10 rebounds.

The Bulldogs sank 22-of-34 (64.7%) free throws in the victory and forced 12 turnovers while outscoring Detroit Mercy 46-36 in the paint. FSU also held a 22-13 edge in fast break scoring and totaled 16 assists to only nine for the Titans.

Ferris State will open the 2016-17 regular season this weekend as FSU travels to St. Louis for the GLIAC/GLVC Classic. FSU will take on host Missouri-St. Louis on Friday night before facing Quincy (Ill.) in Saturday's finale.