Ferris State Pulls Out Big Home Win Over GLIAC Rival Lake Superior State

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BIG RAPIDS, Mich. — The Ferris State University men's basketball squad claimed a big home win on Saturday (Jan. 24) as the Bulldogs edged out league rival Lake Superior State in a tense 86-84 victory at Jim Wink Arena.

The Bulldogs secured the win over the defending Midwest Regional Champions with a balanced offensive effort, including 24 assists and 50 points in the paint. Impressively, FSU gathered at least 11 offensive rebounds and achieved at least 46 total rebounds for the second consecutive game, underscoring their dominance on the boards.

FSU opened play effectively with a 3-pointer by Brandon Claerbaut at 19:27, assisted by Chang Hoth. Following this, Owen Hardy extended the Bulldogs' lead to 5-0 with a layup at 18:45. Hardy, who recorded a career-high total of 22 points, also collected at least 11 total rebounds for the second-straight game, showcasing his all-around performance. The Bulldogs maintained momentum with a series of key plays, including a fast-break 3-pointer by Bryce Moore at 6:06, pushing the lead to 27-15. The half concluded with Tae Boyd sinking a fast-break 3-pointer at the buzzer, solidifying a 38-24 advantage for the Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs maintained control throughout the second half, capitalizing on multiple scoring opportunities to extend the lead. Mykel Bingham's layup at 10:04, assisted by Claerbaut, was part of a consistent offensive performance that kept the home team ahead. Bingham recorded at least 15 total points for the second consecutive game and collected at least 9 defensive rebounds in three consecutive games, contributing significantly to the Bulldogs' efforts. Despite the Lakers' attempts to close the gap, including a late 3-pointer by Drew Hess at 2:50, the Bulldogs held firm. The half concluded with FSU leading 86–84, securing the win.

FSU made several critical plays down the stretch, including a key basket from Hardy on a take to the hoop off an in-bounds play inside of 30 seconds to go, giving FSU a 86-82 advantage. The Lakers scored and cut the margin to two points and had an opportunity to steal the win with a potential game-winning three in the closing seconds, but Ferris State held on for the win.

Hardy scored 22 points on 9-for-11 shooting and added 11 rebounds. Bingham finished with 15 points and led the team with 12 rebounds. Boyd posted 14 points and contributed a career-high six assists. Joey Cabana recorded five assists and chipped in with seven points. The Bulldogs also got 10 points apiece from Moore and Chang Hoth.

Tyler Jamison led LSSU with 24 points, hitting 7 of 12 from the field and 8 of 10 from the line, including two 3-pointers. Hess contributed 15 points, sinking four 3-pointers on 12 attempts and going perfect at the free-throw line. Marcus Watson Jr. was a defensive force, recording five steals while adding nine points and four assists. Nino Carter-Smith facilitated the offense with eight assists and four steals, despite fouling out.

Ferris State evened its record at 8-8 overall this year and improved to 5-4 in the GLIAC with the triumph.

The Bulldogs will host Saginaw Valley State on Monday (Jan. 26) night with tipoff set for 7:30 p.m. (ET) inside Wink Arena.

Game Notes:
- Ferris State has gathered at least 11 offensive rebounds and achieved at least 46 total rebounds in two consecutive games.
- Owen Hardy recorded a career-high total of 22 points and has collected at least 11 total rebounds in two consecutive games.
- Mykel Bingham has recorded at least 15 total points in two consecutive games and collected at least 9 defensive rebounds in three consecutive games.
- Tae Boyd recorded a career-high of 6 assists.