Host Lakers Top Bulldogs In Rivalry Matchup As Busy Stretch Continues For Ferris State

Highlights

Contribution by Cody Carlson
FerrisStateBulldogs.com

Allendale, Mich. - Despite a strong effort on the road, the Ferris State women's basketball squad couldn't pull out a victory against archrival Grand Valley State on Monday (Feb. 2) night as the Bulldogs were upended 69-59 in Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) play at the GVSU Fieldhouse Arena.

The Bulldogs fell to 9-9 overall and 7-8 in the GLIAC with the road setback while GVSU improved to 14-5 overall and 11-4 in conference play with the win in the first of two matchups between the West Michigan rivals this campaign.

An up-tempo opening five minutes resulted with both teams knotted up at 13 points apiece at the first media stoppage of the opening half. However, the Lakers followed the timeout by going on a 7-0 run to take a 20-13 advantage with 8:55 left in the first half.

The Bulldogs' balanced attack helped cut the lead to 30-28 before GVSU's Kat LaPrairie connected on a triple in the final seconds of the opening half to give the Lakers a slim 33-28 lead at the break.

The second half was much like the first as the Bulldogs grinded out tough baskets to stay within striking distance. However, with 10:53 remaining in the contest, GVSU's Kayla Dawnson finished a three-point basket the old fashioned way to push the Lakers' lead to 50-42 with momentum on their side. From there, the Lakers managed to hold off the Bulldogs as FSU could get no closer than six points the rest of the way as GVSU improved to 10-0 at home this yea.

The Bulldogs shot 39.7% from the floor and were only 3-of-17 (17.6%) from the three-point line. FSU cashed in on 10-of-15 (66.7%) free throws in the contest.

Meanwhile, GVSU finished the game shooting 45.6% from the field and connected on 11-of-28 (39.3%) from beyond the arc. The Lakers also converted 6-of-9 (66.7%) free throw attempts on the night.

WHile the Bulldogs turned the ball over 14 times, they were able to force 13 Laker turnovers. FSU capitalized off of the Laker miscues and outscored GVSU 20-4 on points off turnovers. The Bulldogs recorded 11 steals and three blocks in the contest with junior guard Katie Mavis totaling three steals.

Mavis paced the Bulldogs in scoring with 17 points and junior forward Christina Branch joined her in double figures with 11 points while adding 11 rebounds in a double-double showing. Senior forward Ashley Rando finished with seven points while senior center Hannah Hoffman and junior guard Destiney Robinson both chipped in six points each.  

On the Grand Valley State side, Brionna Barnett and LaPrairie who led the Lakers in scoring with 15 points each. Barnett also added eight rebounds and five assists. Dawson finished out the Lakers in double figures with 10 points for the game.

FSU narrowly outrebounded the Lakers in the contest with a 36-35 advantage. The Bulldogs also outrebounded the Lakers on the offensive end 12 to nine, which gave FSU a 17-11 margin in second chance production. FSU also outscored the Lakers 38-20 in the paint on the evening.

Ferris State will return home to host nationally-ranked Michigan Tech on Thursday (Feb. 5) night in GLIAC North Division play at FSU's Jim Wink Arena. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. (ET) and fans are encouraged to wear red to support the Bulldogs and "American Heart Month". The Bulldogs' football and volleyball championship programs from the fall will also be recognized during the evening doubleheader.

Following Thursday's game, FSU wraps up a stretch of five games in nine days by hosting Northern Michigan in league action on Saturday (Feb. 7) starting at 1 p.m. (ET).