FSU

Ferris State Claims Big Home Victory Over Lake Superior State To Stay Atop GLIAC North

Postgame Interview Video
Postgame Highlights Video

Big Rapids, Mich. - The Ferris State University men's basketball squad held onto first place in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) North Division standings as the Bulldogs pulled out an impressive 97-76 triumph over Lake Superior State on Saturday (Jan. 26) before a large crowd inside FSU's Jim Wink Arena.

The Bulldogs, who entered the day tied atop the division with both LSSU and Wisconsin-Parkside, bolted out to an early lead and never looked back in improving to 15-7 overall and 7-4 in the GLIAC. The win was the fourth-straight overall for FSU, which improved to 9-1 at home this season.

Before a crowd of more than 2,000 fans, the Bulldogs got a team-high 22 points along with seven assists and six rebounds from senior guard DeShaun Thrower. He was only one of six Bulldogs to reach double-digits, however, in the balanced win.

The Bulldogs also received 17 points and 10 rebounds in a double-double showing from senior forward Markese Mayfield to go with 14 points by sophomore guard Armani Tinsley. FSU sophomore Jaylin McFadden added 13 points with both junior center Cole Walker and senior center Taylor Adway adding 11 points each.

Ferris State built a large lead early on and held a 47-32 edge at halftime before expanding the lead to as many as 27 points with 13:44 to play in the game. From there, FSU cruised to the win as the Lakers dropped to 10-7 overall and 6-5 in the GLIAC.

The Bulldogs shot 47% from the floor and went 10-of-26 (38.5%) from long range along with 21-of-30 (70%) at the line. LSSU finished shooting 41.5% from the floor in addition to six-of-14 (42.9%) from downtown and 16-of-25 (64%) at the charity stripe.

The Lakers did get a game-high 30 points and 10 rebounds from Malek Adams, but he was one of only two LSSU players to reach double-figures along with Carson Manger, who finished with 11 points off the bench.

The Bulldogs owned the glass with a 50-35 rebounding margin and dished out 27 assists in the victory, including seven by Thrower and five from Walker. FSU also had six steals and four blocked shots with 14 turnovers.

On the Lakers' side, LSSU netted 18 assist with nine steals and two blocks in addition to turning the ball over 14 times.

Ferris State never trailed in the victory, which was FSU's fourth-straight over the Lakers. LSSU handed FSU its only loss last season in a 38-1 national championship campaign, but FSU responded to win three additional meetings inside Wink Arena a year ago.

The Bulldogs will hit the road to face Saginaw Valley State on Thursday (Jan. 31) evening with tipoff set for 8 p.m. (ET) in University Center, Mich. FSU then visits Northwood on Saturday (Feb. 2) for a 6 p.m. (ET) league game in Midland before returning back to Big Rapids for a four-game homestand Feb. 7-16.