Ferris State Drops Regular-Season Finale At GVSU Despite Late Charge

Postgame Highlights & Interview 

Big Rapids, Mich. - The Ferris State University men's basketball squad got off to a slow start, but made several runs to pull within striking distance before falling to rival Grand Valley State by a 90-84 score on Saturday (Feb. 25) in the regular-season finale before a large crowd at the GVSU Fieldhouse Arena in Allendale.

GVSU scored the first 15 points of the game and never trailed, pushing the margin to as mnay as 19 points late in the first half. However, the Bulldogs cut the Lakers' initial lead down to six points in the first half and after GVSU again pushed the margin to nearly 20 points, the Bulldogs fought back time and time again in the second half of play.

Ferris State used a late push to pull within two possessions late, but could get no closer as the Lakers held on for the win.

Sophomore guard Ethan Erickson paced the Bulldogs with a game-high 23 points in the contest and Solomon Oraegbu added 16 points. Both Dolapo Olayinka and Ben Davidson chipped in 14 points each.

For the Lakers, Britain Harris led the way with 21 points as did Isaiah Carver-Bagley. Chinedu Kingsley Okanu added 18 points and Marius Grazulis netted 10 points and a contest-best 15 rebounds.

The Lakers finished shooting 52% from the floor compared to FSU's 42% figure. GVSU made six-of-14 (42.9%) three's with the Bulldogs finishing five-of-19 (26.3%) from long range. Meanwhile, the Lakers went 22-of-33 (66.7%) at the free throw line and FSU finished 19-of-23 (82.6%) at the stripe.

Overall, Grand Valley State held a 41-39 rebounding margin, but FSU pulled down 15 offensive boards in the outing, owning a 19-9 edge in second chance production. The Bulldogs also outscored the Lakers 21-14 on the break.

With the setback, Ferris State closes the regular-season at 22-7 overall and tied for second overall in the league standings at 13-5 on the year, finishing one game behind Parkside atop the GLIAC.

The Bulldogs will be the number two overall seed for the conference tournament and host seventh-seeded Purdue Northwest in quarterfinal-round action on Wednesday, March 1, at Jim Wink Arena. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. (ET) and tickets are on sale now at FerrisStateBulldogs.com/Tickets.