Ferris State Battles Back In GLIAC Road Setback At Rival GVSU

Postgame Interview & Highlights 

Big Rapids, Mich. - A fast start enabled host Grand Valley State to garner a 87-77 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) home win over the Ferris State University men's basketball team on Thursday (Feb. 22) night in the annual West Michigan rivalry showdown at the GVSU Fieldhouse Arena in Allendale.

The Lakers jumped in front early and led by as many as 17 points in the opening half before the Bulldogs rallied. FSU trimmed the margin to six points late in the half before GVSU answered and pushed the lead back to 48-36 at the break.

In the second half, Ferris State again made a strong charge and got back within three before the Lakers responded and eventually came away with the win. FSU outscored Grand Valley State by a 41-39 count in the final 20 minutes of the game.

The Lakers connected on 45.2% of their field goals and hit 10-of-26 (36.5%) three's along with 21-of-24 (87.5%) free throws.

Meanwhile, the Bulldogs finished shooting 42.9% from the floor and made 11-of-23 (47.8%) three's along with 18-of-23 (78.3%) free throws.

Ferris State owned a 37-33 rebounding margin in the game, but also had 14 turnovers to only nine for GVSU. The Bulldogs were outscored 22-12 in points off turnovers and 36-24 inside the paint along with 18-7 on the break.

Grand Valley State got a game-high 23 points from Britain Harris along with 17 points by William Dunn and 12 out of Marius Grazulis. Trevor Smith chipped in with 11 points.

For the Bulldogs, junior Ethan Erickson notched 18 points, seniors Ben Davidson and Dolapo Olayinka both tallied 12 points and Amari Lee garnered 11 points.

The Bulldogs dropped to 19-7 overall this year with the setback.

Ferris State will visit Davenport on Saturday (Feb. 24) for a 3 p.m. (ET) league encounter in Caledonia.