Ferris State Falls To Northwood In Season Opener At GLIAC/GMAC Crossover

MIDLAND, Mich. — The Ferris State University men's basketball squad fell to Northwood by a 97-71 score on Friday (Nov. 14) evening in the season opener at Riepma Arena in Midland. The setback came in the GLIAC/GMAC Crossover hosted by the Timberwolves.

Despite securing 36 points from the bench, the Bulldogs dropped the initial game of the 2025-26 regular season as Northwood capitalized on turnovers to score 24 points, sealing the victory.

FSU opened the game with a quick layup by Owen Hardy at 19:28, assisted by Tyler Hamilton, setting an early tone. Despite several turnovers, the Bulldogs maintained competitive pressure, highlighted by Donovan Brown-Boyd's dunk at 16:30, which tied the score at 6-6. They found success in the paint, scoring 24 points, and utilized their bench effectively, adding 13 points. Hamilton's late 3-pointer at 1:04 narrowed the gap, but the Timberwolves led 43-34 at the end of the first half.

Ferris State mounted a notable effort midway through the second half with a scoring stretch led by Hamilton, who contributed a layup and free throw at 15:56, followed by another layup at 15:37. Hussein Elmaraghy added a 3-pointer at 15:09, narrowing Northwood's lead. However, the Bulldogs struggled with turnovers, committing 10 in the half, which the Timberwolves capitalized on to extend the lead. FSU got back within single digits with less than nine minutes to lead, but the Timberwolves used a big run of their own to push the margin further ahead and never looked back in the win.

Hamilton scored 21 points on 8-of-14 shooting, including two 3-pointers, while also recording five rebounds and three assists for the Bulldogs. Elmaraghy added 16 points with seven field goals made, two of which were from beyond the arc. Jordan Jasper contributed significantly with a team-high five assists and added six points. Hardy's defensive effort was evident as he recorded four blocks and two steals, further contributing two points and three rebounds.

Jamison Eklund led Northwood with an impressive 33 points, including 14 field goals and two 3-pointers, while also securing five steals. John Simpson contributed 16 points, converting 8 of 9 free throws, and grabbed eight rebounds. Will Young II added 19 points, hitting seven field goals with two from beyond the arc. Brayden Szamrej provided support with eight points, four assists, and two steals.

The Bulldogs will square off against Lake Erie to conclude the four-team regional crossover event on Saturday (Nov. 15) with tipoff set for 3 p.m. (ET) in Midland.