Ferris State Men's Basketball Claims First Victory Of The Year In Home Opener

Postgame Interview & Highlights 

BIG RAPIDS, Mich. — The Ferris State University men's basketball squad claimed its first regular-season victory of the 2025-26 campaign, dominating visiting Kuyper College in a decisive 102-55 victory on Wednesday (Nov. 26) in the home opener at Jim Wink Arena.

The win was also FSU's first under interim head coach Alex Fodness as the Bulldogs showcased a strong defensive effort with 14 steals and a commanding 60-36 rebounding edge.

After a quick start by the Cougars Ferris State responded in the first half assertively, establishing control with a 14–0 run that began at 13:48, highlighted by Chang Hoth's three-pointer. During this stretch, the Bulldogs' defense forced several turnovers, allowing them to maintain possession and extend the lead. Kuyper struggled to contain FSU's offensive efficiency, allowing the Bulldogs to convert 18 field goals, including seven from beyond the arc. The half concluded with Ferris State leading 51–27.

The Bulldogs opened the second half with a strong defensive play as senior Mykel Bingham stole the ball, leading to a Brandon Claerbaut three-pointer at 19:28. This sequence initiated a series of turnovers by Kuyper, allowing Ferris State to extend their lead with a fast-paced offense. FSU capitalized on efficient ball movement, as demonstrated by senior Tyler Hamilton's multiple assists, and maintained pressure throughout the half, outscoring Kuyper 51–28 over the final 20 minutes play. Ferris State concluded the game with a decisive 102–55 victory.

Bingham collected 11 rebounds, scored 12 points, and added three steals to his performance. Hamilton recorded 10 assists and added 10 points, including two three-pointers. Claerbaut posted 14 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and tallied five assists alongside five steals. Hoth scored a team-high 18 points, making three three-pointers and contributing two steals. Hussein Elmaraghy also hit double-digits with 15 points and nine rebounds in the game.

The Bulldogs played all 12 players in uniform and all scored in the game.

Jacob May led Kuyper with 10 points, sinking three-of-seven field goals, including two three's. He also contributed five rebounds and three assists. Jashaun Boggerty added 11 points, hitting four-of-12 shots from the field and converting three times from the line, while also recording two steals. Nick Moore was a key presence on the boards, collecting eight rebounds and adding seven points.

Ferris State finished the game with 24 offensive boards and held a 19-4 margin in second chance scoring. The Bulldogs also had only seven turnovers and outscored the Cougars by a 30-7 difference in points off turnovers. Overall, FSU shot 46.4% from the floor and went 11-of-34 (32.4%) from three-point range while holding Kuyper to only 32.3% shooting and a four-of-20 (20.0%) effort from long range.

The Bulldogs will host Michigan-Dearborn in non-conference action on Saturday (Nov. 29) night with tipoff set for 7 p.m. (ET) inside Wink Arena.