Bulldogs Drop GLIAC North Battle To Michigan Tech

Houghton, Mich. - The Ferris State University men's basketball squad cut a double-digit deficit to six points in the final minute, but could get no closer as the Bulldogs fell to Michigan Tech on Thursday (Feb. 7) night by a 64-55 count in Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) play at the SDC Gymnasium in Houghton.

Ferris State shot only 38.9% in the contest and was outrebounded 38-25 by the Huskies in the setback as the Bulldogs saw their three-game winning streak snapped.

Four Bulldog players reached double-figure scoring in the setback as senior forward Daniel Sutherlin and sophomore guard Dietrich Lever both netted 12 points each with sophomore guard Drew Lehman and redshirt freshman center Jared Stolicker contributing 10 points apiece.

Their efforts were not enough to offset Michigan Tech standout Ali Haidar, who finished with a game-high 27 points and 17 rebounds while becoming the Huskies' all-time career rebounding leader.

Both teams had came into the game tied for third in the GLIAC North Division standings, but Michigan Tech was able to avenge an earlier setback to the Bulldogs in Big Rapids this season.

MTU held FSU's leading scorer in senior guard Kenny Brown to only five points on two-of-12 shooting as he made his only three-pointer of the game in the closing minutes to pull FSU within six points before Michigan Tech made enough plays down the stretch to win the game.  He did add five assists and three steals in the setback.

FSU made only four-of-15 (26.7%) three's and was nine-of-16 (56.3%) at the line in comparison to Michigan Tech's 43.9% shooting overall and six-of-15 (40%) performance beyond the stripe.  

The Huskies also hit 22-of-26 (84.6%) free throws, including a 13-of-15 effort from Haidar.

MTU also benefited from a 38-25 rebounding edge although the Bulldogs forced 13 turnovers and had only five of their own.

Ferris State fell to 11-9 overall and 10-6 in the GLIAC with the loss while Michigan Tech improved to 14-6 overall and 11-5 in conference play.  The Huskies were the preseason favorites in the GLIAC North and shared the divisional crown last season along with the Bulldogs and Northwood.

The win was Michigan Tech's fourth over FSU in the last five contests to date.

FSU will be back in action on Saturday at Northern Michigan with an 11 a.m. (ET) tipoff time against the Wildcats inside the Berry Events Center in Marquette.  The contest will be part of a road tripleheader for FSU Athletics will women's basketball to follow and Bulldog Hockey facing NMU at 7:35 p.m. (ET).