#18 Ferris State Uses Big Second Half To Beat Parkside In Conference Play

Somers, Wis. — Nationally 18tth-ranked Ferris State University opened a four-game road swing with a big win as the Bulldog women's basketball squad beat Parkside 82-69 on Saturday (Feb. 7) afternoon at De Simone Gymnasium in Somers, Wis.

The Bulldogs claimed their 18th win of the year with a strong performance in the paint, scoring 36 points there. FSU also capitalized on turnovers, converting them into 23 points, while holding the Rangers to just 12 fourth-quarter points. The victory marked Ferris State's fifth consecutive game scoring at least 82 points, showcasing their offensive consistency.

Ferris State began the game with a strong offensive performance, taking an early lead over Wisconsin-Parkside. Senior Mia Riley initiated the scoring with a jumper at 8:31, setting the tone for the visitors. Senior Mya Hiram contributed a layup at 7:49, assisted by senior Kadyn Blanchard, as the Bulldogs extended their advantage to 7-0. The Rangers responded, with Harley Wock scoring a fast-break layup at 4:25, closing the gap to 12-7. However, FSU maintained control, with Riley securing a crucial three-point play at 0:35 to lead 21-18. Blanchard's free throw with four seconds left sealed the first quarter with a 22-18 lead for Ferris State.

Parkside edged out FSU in the second quarter, overcoming a six-point deficit to tie the game at 40-40 with 58 seconds remaining, courtesy of a three-pointer by Katie Hamill. Ferris State initially held a 29-25 lead after Blanchard's three-point play at the 6:55 mark, but the Rangers responded with a quick run, led by Peighton Nelson's layup to narrow the gap. In the final minute, Cassidy Arni capitalized on an offensive rebound to score a layup, giving the Rangers a 42-40 lead at the end of the quarter. Both teams displayed strong defensive efforts, with UWP securing 10 rebounds to the Bulldogs' eight.

Ferris State surged in the third quarter, outscoring Parkside 23-15 to take control of the game. Junior Claire Erickson tied the score with a layup at 8:28, and senior Elle Irwin followed with a fast-break layup assisted by senior Emma Schierbeek at 8:01, leveling the score at 44-44. Blanchard contributed significantly with key defensive rebounds and a series of crucial layups, including one with 1:01 left that extended Ferris State's lead to 61-54. Hiram's two free throws at the 2:00 mark and subsequent jumper at 1:35 helped solidify the Bulldogs' position as they entered the final quarter with a 63-57 advantage.

In the fourth quarter, Ferris State maintained control with a 19-12 scoring advantage to secure an 82-69 victory over Parkside. Riley led the visitors with crucial scoring, including a jumper at 9:18 and a pair of free throws at 7:55 to extend their lead. Blanchard added to the effort with a jumper at 5:16, widening the margin. The Rangers' Alli Hampel and Lexi Bugajski contributed key plays, with Hampel hitting a three-pointer at 8:52, but their efforts were not enough to overcome Ferris State's defensive stops and effective free-throw shooting down the stretch.

Blanchard scored 24 points and collected eight rebounds, leading the team in both categories. Riley added 23 points, converting 11 of 13 free throws and recording two steals. Irwin contributed with four points, two steals, and three assists, while Hiram posted 12 points and matched Blanchard with eight rebounds.

Hamill led UWP with 12 points, contributing two 3-pointers and two steals, while also gathering six rebounds. Nelson showcased her playmaking skills by dishing out seven assists and securing three steals. Lillie Petersen added 13 points, shooting 5-for-16 from the field, and pulled down seven rebounds along with two steals. Hampel was efficient from the free-throw line, converting all six attempts, and totaled 13 points with seven rebounds. Derlein matched Hamill with 12 points, sinking three 3-pointers and adding a single assist.

The Bulldogs improved to 18-4 overall and 11-2 in the GLIAC with the win.

Ferris State will visit Roosevelt on Monday (Feb. 9) night for a 6:30 p.m. (ET) league tilt in downtown Chicago.

*Game Notes*
- Ferris State has now achieved at least 29 field goals made in five consecutive games.
- The Buldogs have scored 82 points or more in five-straight contests
- FSU has notched at least nine steals in five consecutive games.
- Ferris State held onto second place in the GLIAC standings with the victory.
- The contest marked FSU's first road game since Jan. 12 as the six previous games were played at home.