Ferris State Notches Second-Straight Home Win By Beating SVSU

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BIG RAPIDS, Mich. — The Ferris State University men's basketball squad secured an 85-76 victory over Saginaw Valley State on Monday (Jan. 26) night at Jim Wink Arena, picking up its third win in four tries during a current six-game homestand.

The Bulldogs capitalized on their free throw opportunities, shooting 81.8 percent from the line, achieving a season-high of 27 free throws made out of 33 attempts, to maintain the lead.

With the win, the Bulldogs improved to 9-8 overall and 6-4 in the GLIAC, sitting in the top four in the conference standings.

Ferris State started the opening half by capitalizing on a defensive play with Brandon Claerbaut's steal and layup at 18:41, gaining an early advantage. Maintaining their momentum, the Bulldogs widened the gap with a 3-pointer from Joey Cabana at 8:23, extending the lead to 25–8, before the Cardinals called a timeout. Despite a late push from SVSU, including a fast-break layup, Ferris State closed the half with a 3-pointer by Chang Hoth in the final seconds. Hoth also attempted a season-high 10 free throws in the game, contributing significantly to the team's scoring. The half ended with Ferris State leading 40–34.

FSU maintained its lead throughout the second half, beginning with a 3-pointer by Mykel Bingham assisted by Claerbaut at 19:49. Bingham continued his strong performance streak, recording at least 13 total points for the third consecutive game and securing 5 or more defensive rebounds in each of the last six games. Despite turnovers and fouls, the Bulldogs capitalized on their free throw opportunities, converting 22 of 26 attempts. A late 3-pointer from Cabana, assisted by Owen Hardy, helped extend their advantage. Ferris State concluded the game with a strong defensive effort, collecting at least 28 defensive rebounds for the fourth consecutive game and securing the win with a final score of 85-76.

Cabana led Ferris State with 19 points, converting 4 of 5 from beyond the arc and hitting 7 of 8 free throws. Claerbaut contributed with 10 points and recorded a team-high six assists, adding seven rebounds. Bingham delivered a balanced performance with 13 points, three steals, and six rebounds. Hoth tallied 14 points, including 8 of 10 from the free-throw line, and added five assists.

Javontae Ross led the Cardinals with 21 points, shooting 7 of 14 from the field, including two 3-pointers, while also contributing four steals and five rebounds. Marquese Josephs added 13 points, connecting on 5 of 8 field goals and pulling down six rebounds. Xavier Thomas scored 11 points, dishing out five assists and securing four rebounds. Triston Nichols recorded three steals and contributed 10 points with a perfect 1 of 1 from beyond the arc. Aidan Duran provided defensive support with two blocks and two steals, adding five points to the team's total.

The Bulldogs will wrap up their six-game homestand by hosting Wayne State on Saturday (Jan. 31) at 3 p.m. (ET) along with Purdue Northwest next Monday (Feb. 2) night at 7:30 p.m. (ET) in Big Rapids.

Game Notes:
- Ferris State has recorded at least 17 assists in 4 consecutive games.
- The team has achieved at least 40 total rebounds in 3 consecutive games.
- Joey Cabana's 19 points marked his conference-high for the Bulldogs.
- FSU improved to 7-2 overall at home this campaign with the victory.