#21 Ferris State Moves Into Sole Possession Of Second Place In GLIAC With Big Home Win

Postgame Highlights & Interview 

BIG RAPIDS, Mich. - The nationally 21st-ranked Ferris State University women's basketball squad captured a pivotal 86-71 win on Saturday (Jan. 31) over Wayne State in a battle between two of the top teams in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) at Jim Wink Arena.

FSU came up with a decisive 29-point fourth quarter to secure the victory. The Bulldogs capitalized on the Warriors' 26 turnovers, converting them into 23 points. The game marked the third consecutive matchup where Ferris State achieved at least 18 steals, underscoring their defensive prowess.

With the win, the Bulldogs moved to 16-4 overall this year and into sole possession of second place in the GLIAC standings with a 9-2 conference record.

The game opened with FSU taking an early lead as senior Mya Hiram scored two layups within the first two minutes, both assisted by fellow senior Elle Irwin, who achieved a season-high six assists. The Bulldogs maintained their momentum with a fast-break layup by senior Kadyn Blanchard at 8:05, further extending the lead. Blanchard has consistently been a scoring leader, recording at least 20 total points in three consecutive games.

After the early start, the Warriors responded with a series of layups from McKenna Ferguson, narrowing the gap to 8-6. A three-pointer from Ferguson in the final minute of the first stanza briefly put Wayne State ahead, 15-13, but the Bulldogs tied it up with a layup from senior Mia Riley shortly after. The quarter concluded dramatically as Irwin hit a three-pointer in the closing seconds, giving the Bulldogs an 18-15 advantage.

FSU maintained control throughout the second quarter, outscoring their opponents 24-13. Mara Mitchell led the Bulldogs with an impactful performance off the bench, contributing a three-pointer and several jump shots, totaling 12 points overall in the game. Riley provided a key assist and scored a three-pointer at 6:39, boosting Ferris State's lead. WSU's Taylor Thompson responded with a three-pointer at 7:38, but the Bulldogs' consistent scoring, including a fast-break layup by Blanchard, kept the margin wide. Despite the Warriors' attempts to close the gap, Ferris State ended the quarter securely ahead.

The third quarter saw a strong performance by Wayne State, outscoring Ferris State 33-15. Early in the quarter, Gabi Lutchka hit a three-pointer, marking the start of a scoring rally. Ferguson's layup at 8:17 and subsequent free throw brought WSU closer. Despite Riley's efforts for the Bulldogs, including a layup and a free throw, Wayne State's Jaci Tubergen's three-pointer tied the score at 53 with 3:29 remaining. Lutchka sealed the quarter with another three-pointer, giving the Warriors a 61-57 lead heading into the final quarter.

Blanchard opened the fourth quarter with a three-pointer, giving the Bulldogs a narrow 61-60 lead. Riley contributed with two free throws, extending the lead again. Hiram's layup at 8:43 pushed the Bulldogs' advantage to 64-61, followed by Mitchell's three-pointer to make it 67-64. As the quarter continued, FSU took control with Blanchard and Hiram each scoring, expanding the gap further. Riley's layup at 3:19 put the Bulldogs up 79-66, and Irwin's three-pointer sealed their decisive 86-71 victory. Ferris State has consistently excelled in their offensive strategy, achieving at least 10 three-point field goals made in three consecutive games.

The contest marked the third consecutive game the Bulldogs have achieved at least 86 total points.

Riley scored 24 points and converted all 10 of her free-throw attempts. Blanchard added 20 points, including four 3-pointers, and recorded four steals. Hiram finished with 16 points and collected seven rebounds. Irwin posted six assists and added eight points.

Lutchka led Wayne State with 18 points, shooting 6-for-8 from the field, including 4-for-6 from beyond the arc, and contributed three steals. Ferguson was the top scorer with 20 points, making 8 of 16 field goals and securing six rebounds. Tubergen added six points and dished out five assists, while Koko Sylvester also recorded five assists with four points. Thompson contributed 11 points, hitting 5 of 9 shots and collecting three steals.

The Bulldogs forced 26 turnovers overall, leading to a 23-13 margin in points off turnovers and FSU also came up with 18 steals in the victory.

The Bulldogs will close out their six-game homestand by hosting Purdue Northwest on Monday (Feb. 2) evening with tipoff set for 5:30 p.m. (ET) inside Jim Wink Arena.

**Game Notes:**

- Ferris State achieved at least 23 assists in three consecutive games.
- FSU has now scored 86 points or more in each of its last three outings.
- Both teams hit exactly 10-of-29 three's with each shooting 34.5% beyond the arc.
- Ferris State was outscored 33-15 in the third period, but won the fourth 29-10.
- Overall, FSU led for mroe than 33 minutes of the contest.