Ferris State Suffers First Setback In Tightly-Contested Regional Road Tilt

Big Rapids, Mich. - The Ferris State University women's basketball squad suffered its first setback of the season on Friday (Nov. 16) night as FSU fell to Southern Indiana 71-66 in a tightly-contested regional tilt in Evansville, Ind.

The Bulldogs built a 20-9 lead after one period and held a 27-21 edge at halftime, but could not hold off the Screaming Eagles, who outscored FSU 23-17 in the third frame to move in front.

Ferris State got 23 points from sophomore guard Shaniya Huggins along with 17 points from fellow sophomore guard Adrienne Anderson in the setback. However, no one else scored more than six points for FSU in the contest.

The Bulldogs were held to 35% shooting for the night and went only four-of-14 (28.6) from three-point range while sinking 16-of-23 (69.6%) free throws.

Meanwhile, USI shot 37% from the floor and went six-of-18 (33.3%) beyond the arc in addition to 21-of-31 (67.7%) at the charity stripe.

Ferris State was outrebounded 49-38 with the Screaming Eagles pulling down 14 offensive boards in the win.

Standout center Kacy Eschweiler led Southern Indiana with a game-high tying 23 points and 22 rebounds. Alex Davidson added 16 points and Emma DeHart scored 11 for the hosts. USI improved to 3-1 with the win.

The Bulldogs did force 21 turnovers and had only 13 of their own while coming up with 12 steals and seven blocks in comparison to USI's four steals and four blocks.

Junior center Brayene Benner led FSU on the glass with eight rebounds and added four blocked shots with two steals while Lilly George produced six rebounds, three steals and two blocks. Both had six points each.

Ferris State, now 2-1 overall, will visit Hillsdale for another Midwest Region tilt on Monday (Nov. 19) evening starting at 6 p.m. (ET) in Hillsdale.