Slow Start Hampers Bulldogs In First Home Action Of 2017 At Wink Arena

Slow Start Hampers Bulldogs In First Home Action Of 2017 At Wink Arena

Big Rapids, Mich. - A tough early start hampered the Ferris State University women's basketball squad as the Bulldogs fell to visiting Northwood 81-56 in their first home action of the New Year on Saturday (Jan. 14) at FSU's Jim Wink Arena.

The Timberwolves forced 14 Bulldog turnovers in the opening half and built a 19-7 lead after the opening period en route to the road win.

Ferris State battled hard in the second half, but Northwood used its big first-half advantage to score the win as the Timberwolves improved to 8-6 overall and 5-4 in the GLIAC.

The Bulldogs were led by junior center Rachel McInerney, who finished with 17 points and five boards in the FSU setback. Ferris State also received 15 points from redshirt freshman guard Riley Blair, but those were the only two squad members to score more than six points in the loss.

FSU shot only 11% from the floor in the first quarter before heating up to finish at 40.4% for the game, including a 63% figure in the second frame alone. FSU went one-of-five (20%) from long range and nine-of-14 (64%) at the free throw line.

Meanwhile, Northwood finished shooting 42.4% for the game and hit 11-of-23 (47.8%) three's in addition to 20-of-26 (76.9%) free throws.

The Timberwolves also owned a slim 37-35 rebounding edge over Ferris State and outscored the Bulldogs 23-8 in points off turnovers as FSU finished with 21 overall to only 12 for Northwood.
Five Northwood players reached double-figure scoring with both Delaney Kenny and Jordyn Nurenberg scoring a team-best 14 points apiece. Lindsay Orwat added 13 points, Maddy Seeley chipped in 12 points and Hannah Orwat totaled 11 points in the game.

The Bulldogs did grab 11 offensive rebounds in the contest and received 20 points off the bench in the outing, but never led in the setback to Northwood.

Ferris State will hit the road next Thursday, Jan. 19, as FSU visits divisional leader Saginaw Valley State for a 6 p.m. (ET) league encounter in University Center. The Bulldogs then return home to host Wayne State on Saturday (Jan. 21) starting at 1 p.m. (ET) inside Wink Arena.