FSU Women Top Rival GVSU In Season Finale

Replay Bulldog Sports Network Game Audio Broadcast
Postgame Press Conference Video
(Players: Tiara Adams, Tricia Principe & Coach Tracey Dorow)

Big Rapids, Mich. - The Ferris State University women's basketball team ended its 2010-11 campaign in style on Saturday (Feb. 26) as the Bulldogs upset nationally-ranked rival Grand Valley State 65-62 in their season finale at FSU's Jim Wink Arena.

With the victory, the Bulldogs wrapped up the year with a 13-13 overall record and an 8-11 league mark.

Ferris State also sent its three seniors off as winners as the Bulldogs celebrate the annual Senior Day event prior to the game by recognizing the trio of Tiara Adams (Lansing/Waverly), Andrea Clancy (Port Austin/North Huron) and Becci Houdek (Canton).

"The one thing I wanted was to see them all play their hearts out and play for the win," said FSU head coach Tracey Dorow.  "I'm just so proud of them and happy they get to finish their careers with a win."

While the three seniors were honored, it was a junior who had the hot hand for the Bulldogs in the win as Tricia Principe (Kalamazoo/Mattawan) tallied a game-high 25 points and hit seven-of-11 three-point tries in the win. She was joined in double-figures by Adams, who wrapped up her career with 16 points in the victory.

Ferris State led 36-31 at halftime and built its advantage to as many as 11 points with 15:23 to go.  The Bulldogs never trailed in the second half, but held only a one-point lead at 63-62 with 1:35 to play.  

GVSU had a chance to take the lead with less than 15 seconds to go, but came up empty on a Jasmine Padin jumper, which was partially blocked by Houdek.  Adams grabbed the rebound and sank two free throws with nine seconds left and Padin's three-point tying attempt in the closing seconds was off the mark.

"It was just important for us to go out there and play our hearts out for each other," said Adams.  "To get a win over Grand Valley in our last game is really extra special."

Four Lakers reached double-figures as Lauren Stodola netted 13 points, Brittany Taylor had 12 points, Briauna Taylor scored 10 points and Dani Crandall also had 10 points in the losing effort.

Ferris State shot 44.9% (22-49) from the floor and was eight-of-16 (50%) from beyond the arc along with 13-of-14 (92.9%) at the free throw line.  GVSU hit 25-of-65 (38.5%) shots from the floor and five-of-20 (25%) three's in addition to seven-of-nine (77.8%) free throws.

The Bulldogs were outrebounded 42-27 for the game and also gave up 18 offensive boards while being outscored 18-2 in second chance production.  However, Ferris forced 19 Laker miscues and held a 23-18 margin in points off turnovers as FSU totaled only 14 turnovers.

Houdek capped off her career with a game-high 10 assists for the Bulldogs to go with seven points and three steals.  Her performance helped FSU compile 17 assists, nine steals and three blocks in the outing.

On the opposite side, the Lakers totaled 10 assists, five steals and three blocks for the day.

Clancy, who missed six games due to an injury suffered in the Bulldogs' loss earlier this year to GVSU in the "131 Showdown" at Van Andel Arena, had three points, two assists and a rebound in her final collegiate game.

The Lakers fell to 20-6 overall and 13-6 in the GLIAC with the setback, but will move on to the GLIAC Postseason Tournament.

Ferris State's win over GVSU was its third in as many tries against a ranked team at Wink Arena this season as the Bulldogs also previously defeated then-ranked Gannon and Michigan Tech at home this year.

Bulldog Bites: This year marks the 14th time in the last 15 years the Bulldogs have reached double-figure wins ..... Ferris State played 11 players, but was outscored 22-6 in bench production for the contest ..... The lead changed hands nine times and the score was tied three times ..... Ferris had eight fast break points compared to only two for the Lakers ..... FSU shot 48.1% (13-27) in the first half of play.