FSU

Ferris State Stretches Nation-Leading Mark To 6-0 With Win Over Illinois Tech

Postgame Highlights & Interview Video

Big Rapids, Mich. - The Ferris State University men's basketball squad improved to a nation-leading 6-0 with a 76-49 triumph over visiting Illinois Tech on Wednesday (Nov. 13) night inside FSU's Jim Wink Arena.

The Bulldogs, who are midst a 10-game homestand, shot only 35.3% from the floor, but sank 22-of-27 (81.5%) free throws in the win in the first-ever matchup between the two schools.

The visiting Scarlet Hawks, a Division III member, kept it close in the first half before FSU opened up a 31-17 halftime edge. The Bulldogs then outscored Illinois Tech 45-32 over the final 20 minutes while pulling away for the win.

Sophomore forward Mason Pline paced Ferris State with a team-high 13 points and 12 rebounds in a double-double performance while FSU also got 13 points along with eight rebounds and three steals from junior guard Walt Kelser.

Two other Bulldogs also reached double-figure scoring as junior forward Dorian Aluyi posted 12 points and seven boards with freshman wing Deng Reng chipping in 10 points and four caroms.

FSU held a decisive advantage on the glass with a 50-33 rebounding margin, which included 21 offensive boards for a 17-4 advantage in second chance production. Ferris State also held a significant margin in points off turnovers by forcing 23 miscues, which helped result in 11 steals, including three apiece from Kelser and freshman guard Jeremiah Washington.

Illinois Tech was led by Max Hisatake, who finished with 13 points and a game-high 17 rebounds. They also got 13 points from Milos Dugalic and 12 by Ahmad Muhammad.

The Bulldogs limited the Scarlet Hawks to only 35.8% shooting and a four-of-19 (21.1%) effort from three-point land along with a seven-of-10 (70%) performance at the stripe.

Finally, FSU distributed the ball well with 21 assists which featured seven from senior guard D'angelo Hughes.

The Ferris State bench outscored the Scarlet Hawks' reserves by a 31-3 count.

The Bulldogs will continue their homestand with a regional showdown against the Findlay Oilers on Saturday (Nov. 16) starting at 3 p.m. (ET) inside Wink Arena.