FSU

Ferris State Rolls Past Purdue Northwest In First-Ever Women's Basketball Matchup

Postgame Interview

Hammond, Ind. - A fast start and strong defensive pressure lifted the Ferris State University women's basketball squad to a decisive Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) road victory as FSU topped league newcomer Purdue Northwest 94-68 in the first-ever series matchup on Thursday (Jan. 18) night at the Fitness and Recreation Center.

The Bulldogs led 23-15 after the opening quarter and forced 24 turnovers, which gave FSU a 31-7 edge in points off miscues in the win.

The win was the second-straight for the Bulldogs following a pair of hard-fought performances against Michigan Tech and Northern Michigan at home last week. With the win, FSU improved to 10-8 overall and has now doubled its win total from each of the two previous campaigns.

Five FSU players reached double-figures in the win with both junior guard Alexis Bush and sophomore wing Riley Blair totaling a team-high 15 points each. Senior center Rachel McInerney added 14 points as did sopomore forward Lilly George, who finished with a double-double as she also had a game-high 10 rebounds. FSU's Abby Nakfoor chipped in 12 points off the bench.

Ferris State shot 46% from the floor and outrebounded the Pride 48-39 in the victory. FSU also connected on 16-of-18 (88.9%) free throws.

Purdue Northwest was paced by Shae Rhonehouse, who finished with a game-high 17 points. The Pride also got 13 points from Lanie Allen off the bench.

PNW shot 35% overall and went only 19-of-27 (70%) at the line while hitting five-of-15 (33.3%) three's. The Pride dropped to 2-13 overall and 1-9 in the GLIAC with the loss.

Overall, the Bulldogs had 17 steals and came up with eight blocked shots while also distributing 19 assists in the win.

Ferris State will square off against West Michigan archrival Grand Valley State on Saturday (Jan. 20) night with tipoff set for 6 p.m. (ET) in Allendale.