Ferris State Basketball Wins Battle Of Unbeatens With Dominating Second Half Run

Postgame Highlights
Postgame Interview

Big Rapids, Mich. - The nationally 10th-ranked Ferris State university men's basketball team remained unbeaten and stretched its season-opening victory streak to five-straight games as the Bulldogs defeated the Hillsdale Chargers 77-58 in non-conference action at Wink Arena on Thursday (Nov. 16) evening.

The 5-0 start represents the third consecutive year in which Ferris State has started with four or more consecutive wins against Div. II competition and is the Bulldogs second-best start in that span (2015-16, 7-0).

The win came over a veteran Hillsdale squad that also entered the game unbeaten at 3-0 on the year.

Four Bulldogs finished in double figures with 10 scoring four or more points as FSU spread the attack. Junior center Zach Hankins led Ferris State with 13 points to go with six rebounds.

Junior forward Markese Mayfield had 11 points and six rebounds in the win while senior guard Peter Firlik also finished with 11 points. Senior guard Noah King went for 10 points and hit a pair of three's in the triumph.

The game remained tight through the first half with Ferris State pulling ahead late for a 35-33 edge headed into the break.

Ferris State dominated the second half and ripped off a 19-0 run to mount a lead that stretched to 25 at one point while cruising to victory.

Hillsdale was led by Stedman Lowry's 18 points, but the Chargers were unable to slow the Bulldog attack in the second half.

On the glass, Ferris State outmuscled Hillsdale by a 42-29 edge for the night, including 34 defensive rebounds as Hillsdale shot only 37.7% from the floor.

Overall, Ferris State finished 30-of-55 shooting at 54.5% from the field and hit 13-of-17 at the charity stripe. The Bulldogs had a 16-7 edge in fast break points and a 44-26 lead in points in the paint over the Chargers.

Along with the four players in double-figures, the Bulldogs also got eight assists from senior guard Drew Cushingberry and three helpers along with five points from guard DeShaun Thrower. Forward TyQuone Greer added nine points and six rebounds off the bench with sophomore center Cole Walker scoring six points and grabbing four rebounds with two blocked shots.

The Bulldogs finished with 22 assists on 30 baskets as they shared the ball well offensively and FSU came up with five blocks and five steals.

Ferris State continues its eight-game homestand as the Bulldogs host the Ohio Valley Fighting Scots in non-league action on Sunday (Nov. 19) at Wink Arena with tipoff set for 1 p.m. (ET).