Bulldog Rally Comes Up Short As GVSU Hits Late Three-Pointer In Sunday Clash

Big Rapids, Mich. - For the second consecutive day, the Ferris State University women's basketball squad battled to the finish as the Bulldogs fought back from a double-digit deficit in both halves before dropping a close 60-57 decision to nationally 15th-ranked rival Grand Valley State on Sunday (Feb. 7) at the GVSU Fieldhouse Arena in Allendale.

The Lakers opened up a 17-point first half advantage and pushed the margin back to as many as 15 points in the second half after FSU cut the deficit to only six at halftime. The Bulldogs eventually took the lead late in the game, but GVSU's Brooke McKinley hit a long three-pointer with only seven-tenths of a second remaining to give the Lakers the win.

The Bulldogs' play was fueled by senior guard Samantha Krauss, who finished with a team-high 17 points on seven-of-11 shooting, along with freshman guard DeShonna Day, who added 12 points. Day had a big steal late in the final minute with the score tied and raced to the basket for a potential go-ahead score, but GVSU secured the rebound after a no-call on the attempt, which set up McKinley's late game heroics.

In addition to Krauss and Day, the Bulldogs also got 10 points from sophomore guard Mallory McCartney. The Lakers held standout freshman guard Kadyn Blanchard to only eight points after she came in averaging nearly 21 points per game.

The Lakers were led by Hannah Kulas' team-high 15 points. Rylie Bisballe added 11 points and McKinley finished with 10 points as GVSU improved to 10-1 overall this season.

Both teams finished shooting 37% from the floor and the rebounds were even at 41 apiece in the game. FSU shot 35.3% (6-17) from the three-point line with GVSU going only six-of-25 (24%), including the game-winner. Free throw opportunities were limited for both squads as the Bulldogs were five-of-six (83.3%) and the Lakers netted a six-of-nine (66.7%) effort.

Ferris State took advantage on the offensive glass, outscoring Grand Valley State 14-7 on the strength of 14 offensive caroms. However, the Lakers totaled 32 points in the paint to 24 for the Bulldogs and managed to outscore FSU 11-10 in points off turnovers despite finishing with 14 miscues to only 13 for the Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs did receive 21 points from their bench behind the play of Krauss with GVSU netting only 15 from its reserves.

Ferris State will return home to Jim Wink Arena for five of its final seven regular-season games, starting this weekend as the Bulldogs host Saginaw Valley State on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 12-13, at 6 p.m. (ET).