#22 Ferris State Opens Upper Peninsula Trip With Road Win At Michigan Tech

Postgame Interview 

HOUGHTON, Mich. — The nation's 22nd-ranked Ferris State University women's basketball squad began a two-game road trip to Michigan's Upper Peninsula with a a 73-64 win on Saturday (Jan. 1) over Michigan Tech at the SDC Gymnasium in Houghton.

The Bulldogs capitalized on 19 points off turnovers to secure the conference victory. FSU held Michigan Tech to just nine points in the second quarter, creating a lead they maintained throughout the game.

Ferris State and Michigan Tech had a back-and-forth first quarter, with the Bulldogs ultimately taking a 24-21 lead. Senior Mya Hiram contributed a crucial three-pointer at 3:02 to put Ferris State ahead. Senior Kadyn Blanchard was instrumental in maintaining the lead, scoring a layup and converting two free throws in the final seconds, extending the advantage. Michigan Tech's Soraya Timms kept the game close with two three-pointers, but the Bulldogs capitalized on turnovers to secure the lead by the end of the quarter.

The Bulldogs took control in the second quarter, outscoring the Huskies 21-9. Blanchard led the charge for the Bulldogs, scoring 13 points during the quarter, including two three-pointers and a layup at 3:36 to extend the lead. Michigan Tech's Ella Mason opened the quarter with a three-pointer at 9:37, but their offense struggled, managing only three field goals. Ferris State's defense was effective, forcing six turnovers and capitalizing on fast breaks, including a layup by senior Elle Irwin in the final minute, contributing to their strong performance.

In the third quarter, FSU struggled with shooting efficiency, making only four-of-17 shots from the field. However, senior Mia Riley contributed significantly with a pair of free throws early on, giving the Bulldogs an edge. Michigan Tech capitalized on their shooting opportunities, particularly from inside the paint, where they scored eight points. Timms showcased her shooting ability with a three-pointer at 6:38, narrowing the gap. Despite Michigan Tech's late push, including a layup from Janie Tormanen with 1:41 left, Ferris State maintained the lead to conclude the quarter ahead, 56-47.

The Bulldogs maintained the advantage over Michigan Tech in the fourth quarter, highlighted by Claire Erickson's three-pointer with 9:38 remaining, assisted by freshman Charlotte Miller. Tormanen responded for the Huskies with a three-pointer at 8:14, narrowing the gap. Blanchard contributed significantly, scoring crucial free throws and a layup, extending the advantage to 69-60 at the 2:53 mark. Despite a late effort by Michigan Tech, Ferris State secured a 73-64 victory, aided by Riley's free throws in the final seconds.

Blanchard scored 33 points and added six rebounds, converting 11 of 19 field goals and eight-of-nine free throws. Irwin finished with 10 points and three steals, making two 3-pointers and recording one block. Hiram posted 15 points and collected five rebounds, connecting on 5-of-12 field goals with two 3-pointers.

Tormanen led the Huskies with 21 points, shooting nine-for-11 from the field, and secured 11 rebounds. She also added two steals. Timms contributed 17 points, including five 3-pointers, and recorded three steals and three assists. Mason scored 13 points, making five-of-13 shot attempts, and collected six rebounds. Alyssa Wypych added 10 points while grabbing six rebounds, four of which were offensive.

The Bulldogs forced 21 turnovers in the game and also came up with nine steals on the defensive end. FSU also went 16-of-19 (.842) at the free throw stripe.

With the win, the Bulldogs improved to 11-3 overall and 4-1 in conference play.

Ferris State will square off against 14th-ranked Northern Michigan in a battle of nationally-ranked squads on Monday (Jan. 12) evening starting at 5:30 p.m. (ET) in Marquette.