Big Spurt Leads #24 Lake Superior State Past Bulldogs In Men's Basketball Action

Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. - Nationally-ranked Lake Superior State used a big spurt early in the second half to seize control as the Lakers handed Ferris State a 67-45 setback on Saturday (Feb. 14) in Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) men's basketball action at Bud Cooper Gymnasium in Sault Ste. Marie.

After a back-and-fourth opening half, the Lakers built a 32-22 halftime lead with a late run prior to the break. However, FSU scored twice quickly to cut the margin to six points early in the second period before the Lakers answered with timely three-point shooting and an impressive performance at the free throw line to take control and earn the victory.

The Lakers shot 52.4% from three-point range on 11-of-21 shooting and hit 45.2% of their shots overall to go with an 18-of-22 (81.8%) at the free throw stripe. Meanwhile, they also limited FSU to only 39.1% from the floor and four-of-19 (21.1%) beyond the arc. Ferris State also hit only five-of-18 (27.8%) free throws.

Senior guard Dietrich Lever totaled 12 points in leading the Bulldogs with junior center Jared Stolicker adding 11 points. However, those were the only two FSU players to reach double-digit scoring. Senior guard Drew Lehman chipped in with nine points late while junior forward James Chappell scored seven points in the setback and freshman guard Drew Cushingberry netted six points, all of which came in the opening half. Those were the only five FSU players to reach the scoring column.

LSSU was paced by Jordan Dasuqui, who totaled a game-high 19 points on six-of-11 shooting, including four-of-eight from three-point range. Freshman guard Akaemji Williams joined him in double-digits with 14 points and four others tallied six points or more in the game.

Ferris State was outrebounded for the afternoon by a 34-26 count despite totaling 10 offensive caroms to only eight for the hosts. LSSU also forced 18 Bulldog turnovers compared to 17 of its own.

Overall, the Bulldogs netted 11 assists, seven steals and three blocks with LSSU totaling 15 assists, eight steals and three rejections on the afternoon. Lehman dished out six assists to lead FSU while freshman guard Noah King accounted for two of FSU's three blocks. Alex Williams had four steals for Lake Superior State.

Despite the setback, the Bulldogs have officially clinched a spot in the GLIAC Tournament set for early March.

The Bulldogs will wrap up a three-game road stretch by visiting Hillsdale on Thursday (Feb. 19) for a 8 p.m. (ET) league contest in Hillsdale, Mich.

Following the trip to Hillsdale, Ferris State returns home for its final two regular-season contests starting next Saturday (Feb. 21) as the Bulldogs entertain Saginaw Valley State for a 3 p.m. (ET) GLIAC game at Jim Wink Arena.

It will be Upward Day with all participants in the area's youth basketball program receiving free admission with their Upward ID card received at registration.

Finally, Ferris State then closes the regular-season by hosting archrival Grand Valley State on Thursday, Feb. 26, at 8 p.m. (ET) in Big Rapids. The showdown with the Lakers will represent FSU Student-Athlete Night along with serving as FSU Faculty Appreciation Night. Finally, it will be Senior Night with the Bulldogs' senior team members honored as part of the evening activities.