#17 Ferris State Wins 20th Game Of Year With Road Triumph At SVSU

Postgame Interview 

SAGINAW, Mich. — The Ferris State University women's basketball squad won its 20th game of the year on Saturday (Feb. 14), beating Saginaw Valley State University, 93-65, at O'Neill Arena in University Center.

The Bulldogs had a commanding performance that included a 30-point lead and 21 fast-break points.

Ferris State started strong with Mia Riley scoring a layup just three seconds into the game, setting the tone for the quarter. Elle Irwin contributed early with a three-pointer at 9:36, assisted by Kadyn Blanchard, to extend their lead to 5-0. Saginaw Valley struggled with turnovers, with FSU capitalizing on fast breaks, such as a three-pointer from Emma Schierbeek at 6:52. Despite a late three-pointer from Megan McCalla at the buzzer, the Bulldogs ended the first quarter with a 25-15 lead, driven by efficient shooting and strong defense.

Ferris State extended its lead over the Cardinals in the second quarter, winning the quarter 19-16. Mya Hiram was pivotal, scoring a three-point play at 8:48 with a layup followed by a free throw. Lydia Meredith of SVSU contributed with a three-pointer at 6:16, assisted by Lainey Yater, but the Bulldogs maintained control. Riley added a three-pointer for the visitors at 5:02, and the quarter concluded with Blanchard scoring two free throws, bringing Ferris State's score to 44-31 by the end of the quarter.

FSU maintained its scoring edge in the third quarter but faced a resilient challenge from Saginaw Valley. Mia Riley initiated the scoring for the Bulldogs with a layup at 9:00, assisted by Hiram, pushing the lead to 46-31. Saginaw Valley's Lydia Meredith responded with a layup at 7:16, contributing to a 12-point effort in the quarter and trimming the deficit to 46-37. Ferris St. regained momentum with Schierbeek's three-pointer at 6:05, widening the margin to 49-41. In addition to their scoring efforts, FSU continued its streak of amassing at least 29 total rebounds in 10 consecutive games. In the closing moments, Riley sealed the quarter with a layup and subsequent free throw with five seconds left, concluding the quarter with a 63-54 advantage for Ferris.

The Bulldogs secured a decisive victory over the Cardinals with a dominant performance in the final quarter, winning 93-65. Ferris State's Schierbeek initiated the quarter with a three-pointer, setting the tone for the visitors. Hiram contributed significantly with a layup and free throw, adding to their lead. Blanchard was instrumental, hitting two three-pointers and a layup, while Riley added another from beyond the arc. Charlotte Miller closed the game with a fast-break jumper, expanding FSU's lead to 30 points in the quarter. The Cardinals struggled offensively, making only four field goals in the quarter. Notably, Ferris State achieved at least 14 assists in their ninth consecutive game, showcasing their team-oriented play.

Blanchard scored 20 points, including three 3-pointers, and collected six rebounds. Riley tallied 21 points, converting 7 of 8 free throws and adding two assists. Schierbeek contributed 17 points, making 4 of 4 from beyond the arc. Hiram finished with 20 points and recorded two steals while shooting 100% from the free-throw line.

McCalla led Saginaw Valley with a commanding performance, scoring 23 points and securing nine rebounds. Lydia Meredith contributed significantly with 20 points, hitting three 3-pointers, and adding five assists. Lauren Borsenik provided offense and defense with nine points and seven rebounds. Yater's defensive effort was highlighted by two steals, while also contributing four assists.

The Bulldogs, now 20-4 overall and 13-2 in the GLIAC, will visit Lake Superior State on Monday (Feb. 16) for a 5:30 p.m. (ET) conference tilt in Sault Ste. Marie.