Ferris State Drops Overtime Thriller To Rival GVSU In GLIAC Showdown

Postgame Highlights & Interview 

BIG RAPIDS, Mich. — Ferris State dropped a 84-80 decision to rival Grand Valley State in an overtime thriller on Monday (Jan. 19) night in Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) men's basketball play at Jim Wink Arena.

Despite holding a 19-point lead in the second half, Ferris State was unable to secure the victory as Grand Valley State capitalized on 29 made free throws.

Ferris State started the game strongly, establishing an early lead with Chang Hoth's two free throws just 30 seconds in. Senior Mykel Bingham contributed significantly, hitting a 3-pointer at 8:34 to extend the advantage. The Bulldogs' defense remained steadfast, highlighted by junior Owen Hardy's defensive rebound following a missed layup at 18:17. Throughout the half, FSU capitalized on opportunities in the paint, scoring 12 points.

Despite the Lakers' efforts to keep pace, including a fast-break layup by Javion Otten at 13:20, Ferris State maintained control. The home team ended the half with a 13-point lead, 38-25, heading into the next phase of the game.

Ferris State maintained a narrow lead through most of the second half despite significant challenges from GVSU. Bingham connected on a key three-pointer at 18:44, extending the Bulldogs' edge to 41–28. Bryce Moore contributed six points in the paint, including a late layup to tie the score at 70–70 with three seconds remaining in regulation. The half ended with both teams deadlocked at 70, as the Lakers' final attempt missed the mark.

Ferris State struggled to maintain momentum in overtime despite tying the score at 72 with 4:09 remaining, thanks to a fast-break dunk by Tae Boyd assisted by Hardy. Boyd continued to be a key contributor, scoring a jumper and a layup in the final minutes to keep the game within reach. However, the Lakers' Jalen Charity and Trevor Smith Jr. hit pivotal shots, including a late 3-pointer, giving them an edge they did not relinquish. The game concluded with Grand Valley State securing an 84–80 victory over the Bulldogs.

Bingham led Ferris State with 21 points, successfully converting 7 of 12 field goals, including four from beyond the arc, and recorded a game-high 11 rebounds. Boyd matched him in scoring, posting 21 points, while securing nine rebounds and providing three assists. Hardy contributed 10 points and was strong on the boards with 12 rebounds, adding two steals. Hoth tallied 14 points, successfully converting all six of his free throw attempts and collecting five rebounds.

Charity led the way for the Lakers with 27 points, converting 9 of 20 field goal attempts and 7 of 8 from the free-throw line. He also contributed seven rebounds and one block. Smith added 19 points while dishing out five assists and making seven field goals on 13 attempts. Mason Docks played a crucial role with 15 points and three steals, along with four assists. David Wilkerson contributed nine points, primarily from the line by making 9 of 10 free throws, and recorded four steals and six rebounds to bolster the team's defensive efforts.

Ferris State will host Lake Superior State on Saturday (Jan. 24) in league action with tipoff set for 3 p.m. (ET) inside Jim Wink Arena.