Ferris State Wins GLIAC Opener On The Road At Purdue Northwest

Highlights & Postgame Interview 

HAMMOND, Ind. — The Ferris State University men's basketball squad secured a 73-68 victory over Purdue Northwest in its Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) opener on Thursday (Dec. 4) night in Hammond, Ind.

The Bulldogs capitalized on a strong bench performance, contributing 37 points en route to their second consecutive win.

FSU opened the first half with a strong defensive presence, highlighted by Owen Hardy's block at 19:27 and Chang Hoth's steal at 17:50, which led to a fast-break dunk by Hardy, assisted by Brandon Claerbaut, at 17:28. The Bulldogs maintained their momentum with a 9–0 run, including Bryce Moore's 3-pointer at 15:04, extending their lead to 13–4. Purdue Northwest attempted to close the gap, but the Bulldogs ended the first half with Claerbaut's offensive rebound and tip-in at the buzzer, securing a 31–23 lead at the break.

The Bulldogs maintained their edge during the second half with a balanced offensive effort, highlighted by Tyler Hamilton's consistent scoring. Hamilton contributed key baskets including a three-pointer at 16:15 and later secured crucial free throws to keep Ferris State ahead. Despite the Pride's attempts to close the gap, the Bulldogs held their composure and utilized a strong finish, capped by a Moore three-pointer with 25 seconds remaining. The game concluded with FSU securing a 73–68 victory, ending the contest on top.

Hamilton scored 21 points and recorded six assists, leading the offensive effort. Hoth added 15 points, converting three of six shots from beyond the arc. Hardy posted a perfect shooting performance, finishing with nine points and collecting seven rebounds. Claerbaut contributed on the boards with eight rebounds and added two assists.

Davontae Hall led Purdue Northwest with 17 points, converting 7 of 13 field goals, including three 3-pointers, while also contributing two steals and two assists. Kyle Ross added 15 points, shooting 6 of 11 from the field and making both of his 3-point attempts, while also recording three assists and one block. Garrett Clark scored 11 points, hitting three 3-pointers and dishing out three assists. Kwat Abdelkarim contributed 10 points, shooting 3 of 5 from the field and a perfect 4 of 4 from the line, while collecting four rebounds.

The Bulldogs will visit Wayne State on Saturday (Dec. 6) for a 3 p.m. (ET) league game in Detroit.