Big Rapids, Mich. - Home sweet home!

After playing five consecutive Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) road contests in the past two weeks, the Ferris State University men's and women's basketball teams return to Jim Wink Arena's "Dawg Pound" in Big Rapids for a four-game homestand starting later this week.

The Bulldogs will host two of conference's three Upper Peninsula schools in league play this week, beginning with Thursday's (Jan. 28) doubleheader versus Northern Michigan. The women's game tips off at 6 p.m. (EST) with the men's game to follow at approximately 8 p.m. (EST).

Then, Saturday (Jan. 30), the Bulldogs square off against Michigan Tech in a double dip with the women's game slated for a 1 p.m. (EST) start followed by the men's contest at 3 p.m. (EST).

Thursday's twin bill will include a slam dunk contest at halftime of the men's game while Saturday's outing represents Kids Day along with FSU's annual Student-Athlete Day.

Registration for the dunk contest is limited and on a "first come, first dunk" basis. To sign up or obtain additional information, please email e.cole7@yahoo.com. Former FSU men's basketball standout Terrance Shaw is among the participants who have already signed up for the event.

Saturday's Kids Day event will include an inflatable bounce house, face painting and a color contest for youth.

Tickets for both doubleheaders will be sold at the door starting one hour prior to the opening game. FSU students are admitted free with their student identification cards and encouraged to join the "Dawg Pound" student section for all home games.

The Bulldog men currently own a 10-7 overall and are 8-4 in GLIAC play after winning their fourth consecutive league road game this past Saturday at Northwood.

Meanwhile, the women's team (5-12, 4-8 GLIAC) will face two of the division's top three teams in nationally fifth-ranked Michigan Tech and NMU.

All four games will also be streamed live online with a pay-per-view webcast available via B2 Networks along with live internet statistics. Both women's games will be broadcasted by Bulldog Radio on Charter TV Channel 21 in Mecosta County while the two men's contests are slated to be aired locally by WBRN (1460 AM & 107.7 FM). Links to all coverage will be available at www.ferrisstatebulldogs.com.

Following this week's action, the Bulldogs remain at home to host Hillsdale and Findlay next Thursday (Feb. 4) and Saturday (Feb. 6), respectively.