Ferris State Falls In Conference Opener After Tight First Half Against Ohio Dominican

Big Rapids, Mich. - The Ferris State University women's basketball squad had another strong opening half, but came up short in a 77-59 setback to visiting Ohio Dominican in the opening night of Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) action on Thursday (Dec. 1) at the Big Rapids High School gymnasium.

The Bulldogs led by as many as five points in the second quarter and trailed only 35-31 at halftime before the Panthers went on a big third-quarter run which proved to be the difference.

Ohio Dominican, which hit 12 three's in the victory, outscored FSU 28-6 over the third quarter and held off a late FSU run to record the victory as they moved to 5-2 on the year.

Junior center Rachel McInerney and sophomore guard Alexis Bush both tallied 12 points each for the Bulldogs, who shot 44.1% from the floor, but went 0-of-7 from three-point range. FSU also hit seven-of-11 (63.6%) free throws.

Meanwhile, the Panthers connected on 41.3% of their field goals and hit 12-of-33 (36.4%) three's along with three-of-five (60%) free throws.

ODU was paced by Sarah Futscher, who netted 13 points in the win. Both Lauren Bates and Kayla Cook added 12 points each and Darian Rose chipped in with 10 points.

The Bulldogs were outrebounded slightly 42-38 for the night and gave up 17 offensvie rebounds, which led to a 9-0 edge for Ohio Dominican in second chance production. The Panthers also outscored FSU 21-10 on the break and 20-15 in points off turnovers as the Bulldogs had 22 miscues to 16 for the visitors.

Overall, Ferris State finished with seven steals and a blocked shots in comparison to ODU's five steals and two blocks.

Both teams distributed the ball well as the Bulldogs compiled 24 assists to 22 for Ohio Dominican. McInerney led FSU with five helpers while freshman guard Renee Sturm added four assists. Both Lindsey Blanford and Bates had five apiece for the guests.

Finally, ODU posted a 32-20 edge inside the paint to earn the win in a game that featured 12 lead changes overall.

Both Riley Blair and Joslyn Nicholson led FSU on the glass with a game-high tying seven rebounds apiece.

Ferris State will be back in action on Sunday, Dec. 4, as FSU hosts the Findlay Oilers to wrap up the weekend back at Jim Wink Arena on the FSU campus. Tipoff is set for 12 p.m. (ET) in Big Rapids.