FSU Runs Past Northwood In GLIAC Home Tilt

Postgame Audio File:
Austin Randel followed by Coach Bill Sall
(MP3 File) - (Windows Media Version)

Big Rapids, Mich. - The homecourt edge helped the Ferris State University men's basketball squad regain its shooting touch as the Bulldogs posted a dominating 93-74 victory over Northwood on Thursday (Feb. 25) evening in Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) play at FSU's Jim Wink Arena.

FSU bolted out to an 11-0 lead only three minutes into the game and never trailed in the contest while shooting 53.7% (36-67) overall from the floor.

The Bulldogs held a commanding 55-40 lead at halftime and increased the margin to as many as 24 points with 9:02 left in the game.

Ferris State forced 24 Northwood turnovers and outscored NU 24-5 in points off miscues en route to the win.

"We can be a good offensive team when we move the ball and it was good to see us make some shots," said FSU head coach Bill Sall. "It was good to see us get a lead and keep it."

The Bulldogs were paced again by junior forward/center Justin Keenan, who finished with a game-high 30 points on 12-of-17 shooting along with making six of 10 free throws.

Keenan was joined in double-digits by senior guard Austin Randel, who had a personal FSU career-high 24 points with five three-pointers. Fellow senior guard Josh Young added 10 points in the victory.

Ferris also received eight points and five assists from senior guard Jon Yeazel along with seven rebounds, seven steals and six points from sophomore guard Dontae Molden. Young chipped in with six boards and four assists to go with his 10 points.

The Bulldogs shot a blistering 59.5% (22-37) in the opening half and connected on six-of-10 (60%) three's in the game along with a 15-of-24 (62.5%) effort at the free throw line.

Northwood also shot well as the Timberwolves made 29-of-57 (50.9%) field goals and were seven-of-23 (30.4%) from downtown to go with nine-of-13 (69.2%) free throws.

FSU was outrebounded slightly by a 35-31 count, but posted a 14-11 edge in second chance scoring on 11 offensive rebounds. The Bulldogs also tallied 13 fast break points compared to only two for Northwood.

NU was led by Chris Johnson's team-high 22 points and eight rebounds. Andrew Van Dieren Donck added 15 points, Lionel Sullivan scored 14 points and Booker Stoudmire tallied 11 points.

With the victory, the Bulldogs improved to 15-11 overall and 13-8 in GLIAC play. FSU will host Wayne State on Saturday (Feb. 27) in a 3 p.m. (EST) tilt at Wink Arena. The Bulldogs can clinch a GLIAC Tournament quarterfinal-round home game with a victory on Saturday.

Northwood dropped to 12-13 overall and 9-12 in the GLIAC with the setback.

Saturday's outing against Wayne State will represent FSU's annual "Senior Day" game as the Bulldogs will honor the trio of Randel, Yeazel and Young prior to their final regular-season home games at Wink Arena.

Additonally, FSU students and fans will have chances to win prizes, scholarships and more during the "Operation Giveaway" promotion on Saturday. Ten $500 scholarships will be awarded to current students with the odds doubling by attending both the men's and women's games. Tons of other giveaways will also be handed out throughout the day and the first 500 fans will receive a rally towel. Ferris students are admitted free and tickets may be purchased at the door.

Bulldog Bites: The GLIAC Tournament quarterfinals will take place on Tuesday (March 2) with the top four overall teams hosting first-round playoff action on campus sites. The Bulldogs are presently tied for third place overall and can still finish anywhere from third to fifth in the standings ...... Thursday's victory was FSU's second over Northwood this season following an earlier 86-73 triumph in Midland (Jan. 23) ...... FSU outscored the Timberwolves 46-30 in the paint ...... Ferris improved to 7-3 overall at home this season ..... Justin Keenan's 30 points represented the fifth consecutive time he's scored at least 20 points in a home contest this season, including the second-straight game of 30 or more at Wink Arena.