Ferris State Returns From Holiday Break With Big Home Court Win Over Roosevelt

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BIG RAPIDS, Mich. — The nationally-ranked Ferris State University women's basketball squad opened the New Year in a big way, defeating Roosevelt University 78-60 on Saturday (Jan. 3) in Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) play, maintaining a commanding lead throughout the game at Jim Wink Arena.

The Bulldogs placed three in double-digure scoring, including senior guard Mia Riley with a game-high 29 points, while coming away with a 46-43 rebounding advantage en route to the win. FSU improved to 9-3 overall and 2-1 in league action with the triumph.

The first quarter opened with Ferris State establishing a solid lead over Roosevelt. Senior Elle Irwin's three-pointer at 8:47 gave the Bulldogs an early advantage, assisted by Kadyn Blanchard. Blanchard continued to make an impact with a layup at 8:09, extending the home team's lead to 5-2. FSU's fast break strategy proved effective, contributing to their 12 points in the paint and another fast break layup by Mia Riley at 6:02. Sophomore Grace Lyons added a jumper with 1:44 remaining, helping the Bulldogs close the quarter with a 24-13 lead over the Lakers.

The Bulldogs extended their lead significantly in the second quarter, highlighted by strong defensive plays and successful fast breaks. Riley contributed notably, scoring three consecutive three-pointers, including a fast-break shot at 1:46, and accumulating 11 points in the quarter. Irwin also made an impact early with a steal and a layup at 9:02. The Lakers struggled to keep pace, with Isabella Pitta managing to score a layup at 6:39. The quarter concluded with a jumper by Blanchard in the closing seconds, securing the Bulldogs' dominance with a 49-26 lead at the break.

Roosevelt started the third quarter with Marie Outlay's tip-in at 9:38, cutting into Ferris State's lead. The Bulldogs responded as Riley sank a free throw at 8:51 and later added a layup at 7:01, assisted by freshman Charlotte Miller, pushing the score to 52-28. Miller further extended the lead with a fast-break three-pointer at 6:08, maintaining FSU's momentum. Despite a late push from the Lakers, including a three-pointer by Kelly Boyle at 2:06 and another by Outlay at 1:40, the Bulldogs held a steady lead, with Irwin converting a three-point play at 1:06 to secure a 62-47 advantage by the quarter's end.

The Bulldogs maintained their lead over RU throughout the fourth quarter, beginning with an early three-pointer by senior Emma Schierbeek, assisted by Riley, at 9:52. Despite multiple scoring attempts by the Lakers, including free throws from Outlay, the Bulldogs' defense held firm. Riley further extended the lead with a layup and an additional free throw at 4:22. Miller added a jumper at 3:15, contributing to the team's steady scoring. The game concluded with a layup by Riley with just over 30 seconds remaining, securing a comfortable 78-60 victory for the Bulldogs.

Riley led the team with 29 points, including three successful three-pointers, and recorded six rebounds. Senior Mya Hiram contributed a solid defensive effort, collecting 13 rebounds and making two steals to go with 10 points. Blanchard added 12 points and grabbed six rebounds. Claire Erickson made an impact with four blocks and secured five rebounds.

Outlay led the Lakers with 19 points, contributing significantly with 12 rebounds and four steals. Boyle added 14 points, making two three-pointers and collecting four assists. Isabella Pitta was a force on the boards, securing 12 rebounds alongside her eight points and a block.

The Bulldogs will host Parkside on Monday (Jan. 5) evening in conference play at Wink Arena. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m. (ET).