Big Second Quarter Leads Northern Michigan Past Ferris State Women's Basketball

Game Highlights 

Big Rapids, Mich. – A big second quarter helped the Northern Michigan Wildcats take the advantage en route to a 79-64 triumph over the Ferris State University women's basketball squad on Saturday (Jan. 16) in Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) action at FSU's Jim Wink Arena.

Ferris State got out to a good start, leading 26-18 after one quarter. Senior forward Alexis Huntey went off for 14 first quarter points, and was 3-of-3 from beyond the arc in the initial frame.            

However, the Wildcats followed by outscoring Ferris State 18-6 in the second quarter, helping them to a 36-32 halftime lead. In the second half, FSU stayed within striking distance, but the Wildcats proved to be too much down the stretch.             

Northern Michigan won the battle in the paint, outscoring Ferris State 44-24 down low, which proved to be the difference.             

Despite the difference in the paint, Ferris State managed to shoot 47 percent from downtown with Huntey and freshman guard Margo Brown combining to shoot 7-of-11 from deep.            

Huntey finished with a game-high 24 points and led the Bulldogs with nine rebounds. Sophomore forward Rachel McInerney added 17 points to help pace the Bulldog offense.         

The Wildcats had four players finish in double figures with Bre Gaspervich leading the way with 16 points. Taylor Hodell added 14 points while Emily Schramek tallied 13 and Darby Youngstrom netted 12.              

Northern Michigan shot 58.6% in the second half, which proved to be too much for Ferris State to overcome despite shooting 46.4% in the second half. FSU was outscored 43-32 after halftime.       

The Bulldogs were also outrebounded 37-29 for the game, but did pull down 10 offensive rebounds.

Finally, Ferris State finished with 15 turnovers to 13 for Northern Michigan, but still held a slim 19-18 margin in points off turnovers.

FSU also received a game-high eight assists from senior guard Katie Mavis, who finished with six points and four rebounds. Freshman Abby Nakfoor added three assists as Ferris State finished with 21 in the game. FSU also had nine steals and three blocked shots.             

With the loss, Ferris State falls to 3-13 overall and 3-7 in GLIAC play. Northern Michigan improved to 5-5 in GLIAC play with a 6-10 overall record.         

The Bulldogs return to action on Thursday, Jan. 21, as they travel to Northwood to take on the Timberwolves at 6 p.m. (ET). The contest begins a three-game road stretch for the Bulldogs, who will not return to Wink Arena until Jan. 30.