Ferris State Closes Out Preseason Hoops Slate With Setback At NCAA Division I Xavier

Big Rapids, Mich. - The Ferris State University men's basketball squad closed out preseason action on Friday (Nov. 5) night, falling to Big East member Xavier University by a 100-59 count at the Cintas Center in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Host Xavier jumped out to a 52-26 lead at the break before outscoring FSU 48-33 over the final 20 minutes of action.

Ferris State was led by graduate transfer Keymonta Johnson with 12 points and fellow grad transfer Lee Higgins, who notched nine points. Bulldog senior Dorian Aluyi also contributed nine points in the decision.

Ferris State was held to 25% shooting, but FSU only had 13 turnovers in the game against the perennial top 25 NCAA Division I squad.

Aluyi pulled down a team-high seven boards for the Bulldogs and Johnson came up with three steals for FSU. Ferris State also made 22-of-28 (78.6%) free throws in the game.

Xavier was led by Adam Kunkel with a game-high 21 points. Dwon Odom added 20 points and Colby Jones scored 18 points for the Muskateers.

The Bulldogs will open regular-season play at home on Friday, Nov. 12, against Ohio Dominican in regional action as part of a three-team classic at Jim Wink Arena. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. (ET).

Following Friday's game, ODU will face Drury (Mo.) on Saturday at Wink Arena starting at 5 p.m. (ET) with FSU then taking on Drury on Sunday with tipoff set for 3 p.m. (ET).