GLIAC Champion Ferris State Rolls Over Purdue Northwest For School-Record Tying 28th Win

Game Highlights 
Postgame Interview 

Big Rapids, Mich. - The nationally third-ranked Ferris State University men's basketball team won its 16th consecutive contest as the Bulldogs rolled to a decisive 117-66 victory over the Purdue Northwest Pride on Thursday (Feb. 22) night at FSU's Jim Wink Arena.

The Bulldog starting five that stole the show, shooting a combined 34-of-37 (91.8%) from the floor and all five scored 12 or more points in the game. Senior forward Noah King finished with a team-best 20 points as FSU matched a school single-season record set last year with its 28th victory this season.

The win was FSU's 21st consecutive home triumph at Wink Arena dating back to last season as FSU improved to 15-0 at home this year.

Two Bulldog starters went for double-doubles as standout guard Drew Cushingberry tallied 14 points and 13 assists, with nine of his assists in the first half alone. Junior center Zach Hankins finished with 12 points and 12 rebounds to go with five blocks.

FSU Senior forward Peter Firlik picked up 17 points and five rebounds while junior forward Markese Mayfield had 14 points, three steals and three assists in the game.

The Bulldogs as a team got out to a fiery start, hitting 19 of their first 21 shots (90.5%) from the floor and FSU never looked back. They had a 64-32 lead at the break and a 53-34 advantage in the second half.

The fast-paced game allowed the Bulldogs to turn the contest into a track meet. They picked up 52 fast break points while the Pride had just 12 such points. In the paint, Ferris State outscored the Pride 58-26 overall. The Bulldogs also won the rebound battle 47-29 on the night.

Ferris State went deep into its bench as 12 Bulldogs tallied at least a point with seven in double figures. The Bulldog bench outscored the Purdue Northwest reserves 40-21 in the second-ever series' matchup. Senior Tyquone Greer led the Bulldog second unit with 12 points off the bench while Cole Walker chipped in 10 points and DeShaun Thrower netted nine points.

The Pride were led offensively by Torrance Johnson's 15 points. Three Purdue Northwest players finished in double figures for the game, including 10 each from Richard Robertson and Caleb Brannon.

Following the contest, the Bulldogs cut down the nets, celebrating the GLIAC Regular Season Championship they claimed in outright fashion last week on the road for the second consecutive year.

Ferris State's 117 points came up only nine points shy of the school-record of 126 points set in a game while the Bulldogs' 37 assists in the outing was only one shy of the school's all-time best single game mark. FSU also tied a school-record with 13 blocked shots.

The Bulldogs, who hold a nation-leading 28-1 overall record and are now 18-1 in the GLIAC, will celebrate Senior Day on Saturday (Feb. 24) as FSU hosts West Michigan archrival Grand Valley State with tipoff set for 1 p.m. (ET) at Wink Arena. The Bulldogs will honor a five-member senior class following the contest.

In addition, Ferris State has also secured the #1 seed for the GLIAC Tournament and will host a quarterfinal-round game on Wednesday (Feb. 28) night against an opponent to be determined.