Blazing Start Lifts Ashland Over Ferris State In GLIAC Quarterfinals

Big Rapids, Mich. - A blazing start from fifth-seeded Ashland proved to be too much to overcome as the Ferris State University men's basketball squad fell to the Eagles 100-85 in the quarterfinal round of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Tournament on Thursday (March 4) in Hammond, Ind.

The Eagles built a double-digit lead early and held a 10-point margin at 56-46 following a high-scoring first half. The Bulldogs managed to cut the margin back to as few as two points in the second half, but could not ever gain control before AU pulled away in the final minute at the free throw line.

Ashland shot a blistering 54% from the floor and made 11-of-25 (44%) three's to end the fourth-seeded Bulldogs' season in the conference tournament. 

Ferris State fought to the finish and managed to shoot 45% from the floor along with 35% (7-20) from the three-point arc in the setback.

The Bulldogs were paced by senior guard Walt Kelser with 25 points. Senior forward Michael Peterson added 13 points with senior forward Logan Ryan scoring 12 points off the bench. Sophomore Vejas Grazulis added 10 points.

The Eagles placed five in double-digits, all of which were starters, and were led by Ben Haraway's game-high 35 points. Aaron Thompson chipped in 19 points, Hunter Shedenhelm notched 17 points, Derek Koch had 15 points and Bo Furcron contributed 12 points as the Eagles improved to 12-8 overall.

Overall, Ashland held a slim 36-33 rebounding edge, but also had 12 turnovers to 10 for the Bulldogs.

Ferris State closed the year with a 9-11 overall record, but the entire FSU roster is currently eligible to return next season.

The Bulldogs were making their 21st all-time GLIAC Tournament appearance and seventh in a row.