#22 Northern Michigan Spoils Ferris State Senior Day At Wink Arena

Postgame Highlights & Interview 

BIG RAPIDS, Mich. — The Ferris State University men's basketball squad fell to #22 Northern Michigan by a 75-53 score on Saturday (Feb. 21) inside Jim Wink Arena.

The Wildcats limited the Bulldogs offensively in the opening half and came up with a key second-half stretch to expand the lead while ultimately spoiling FSU's Senior Day contest.

Ferris State began the first half with an early lead, thanks to a 3-pointer by Tae Boyd at 18:38, assisted by senior Mykel Bingham. However, Northern Michigan quickly responded, gaining momentum with a string of successful plays, including a 3-pointer by Cal Klesmit at 9:42. Despite FSU's efforts, including a fast-break layup by Bingham at 0:59, the Wildcats maintained control, ending the half ahead 34–21.

The Bulldogs' attempt to rally in the second half was highlighted by Justin Asi's layup at 6:50, which narrowed Northern Michigan's lead. The Bulldogs managed to score consistently, with Bryce Moore hitting a 3-pointer at 4:22 and Bingham following with another at 0:16. Despite these efforts, Northern Michigan's steady scoring kept them ahead. The half concluded with Northern Michigan outscoring FSU 41-32 in the half.

Bingham scored 12 points and recorded six rebounds, contributing significantly to the Bulldogs' overall performance. Boyd added 15 points and posted one block in the game. Asi finished with 14 points and collected five total rebounds. Senior Brandon Claerbaut made his presence felt with two steals and five rebounds.

Dylan Kuehl led the Wildcats with 20 points, making 10 of 17 field goals. Klesmit contributed 12 points, including two 3-pointers, and added eight rebounds. Jackson Dudek scored 13 points, hitting five of eight shots and blocking one. Bennett Basich provided six rebounds and dished out five assists. Sam Privet added eight points while securing four rebounds.

Ferris State recognized a trio of senior players prior to the game, including Bingham, Claerbaut and Bryce Moore along with student assistant coach Cole Vickers and manager Jacob Rickwalt.

With the setback, the Bulldogs fell to 10-14 overall and 7-10 in conference play. FSU is battling for one of the final spots in the GLIAC Tournament heading into the final three-game stretch of the regular season this coming week.

The Bulldogs will play their final regular-season home game on Monday (Feb. 23) night versus Michigan Tech with tipoff set for 7:30 p.m. (ET) inside Jim Wink Arena. FSU then visits rival Grand Valley State on Thursday (Feb. 26) night before wrapping up regular-season action on Saturday (Feb. 28) at Davenport.