Late Rally Lifts Host Trevecca Nazarene Over FSU In Season Opener

Big Rapids, Mich. - The Ferris State University men's basketball squad led for nearly the entire way, but a late charge gave Trevecca Nazarene a 70-69 regional win over FSU in the season opener on Friday (Nov. 11) night in Nashville, Tenn.

The hosts won their own Robert Garrett Crossover Classic contest by rallying from a 13-point deficit with 10 minutes to play to stun FSU in the opener.

Ferris State had a seven-point lead with a minute to play, but FSU missed three free throws and had a pair of turnovers in the final minute as the Trojans fought back to win the first-ever meeting between the two schools.

Junior wing Ben Davidson paced the Bulldogs with 18 points in the outing while newcomer Dolapo Olayinka added 12 points in the setback. FSU also got nine points from Vejas Grazulis along with eight by Jimmy Scholler.

Overall, Ferris State shot 43.1% from the floor and went seven-of-19 (36.8%) from long range, but converted only 12-of-22 (54.5%) free throws and had 17 turnovers in the game.

The Bulldogs did finish even in the rebounding battle at 42-42 for the night.

Meanwhile, Trevecca Nazarene shot at a 38.1% clip and went nine-of-27 (33.3%) from long range along with 13-of-25 (52%) at the charity stripe. Lawrence Brazil III led TNU with 18 points.

The Bulldogs will close out the regional crossover event with another big test on Saturday (Nov. 12) as FSU takes on Southwest Baptist (Mo.) in regional action starting at 2 p.m. (ET) in Nashville.