Bulldogs Fall To Wayne State In Tightly-Contested GLIAC Home Matchup

Postgame Highlights & Interview 

BIG RAPIDS, Mich. — The Ferris State University men's basketball squad fell to Wayne State 75-73 in a closely contested GLIAC matchup on Saturday (Jan. 31) inside Jim Wink Arena.

Despite building a 13-point lead in the first half, the Bulldogs could not maintain the advantage as the Warriors outscored them by two points in the final half.

The contest marked the fifth consecutive game in which FSU achieved at least 73 total points, continuing their offensive consistency, but the Bulldogs were unable to come away with the win.

FSU began the first half with a strong offensive showing, highlighted by senior Mykel Bingham's 3-pointer at 18:30, assisted by senior Brandon Claerbaut. The home team maintained control with a five-point lead at 15:47 following Bingham's layup, assisted by Tae Boyd. Bingham's defensive presence was notable with a block at 15:12, contributing to the Bulldogs' defensive stops and achieving at least 26 defensive rebounds for the fifth consecutive game. Despite Wayne State's late surge, the Bulldogs closed the half ahead, leading 37–35.

Ferris State encountered a challenging second half, initially falling behind after Wayne State's quick scoring surge, punctuated by Jalen Jenkins' assist on Jotham Nweke's fast-break dunk at 19:17. FSU briefly recaptured the lead with Claerbaut's 3-pointer at 17:39, assisted by Bingham. However, the Warriors responded with a series of scores, pulling ahead again.

In the final minutes, the Bulldogs' effort to regain control was highlighted by a fast-break layup from Chang Hoth inside of 50 seconds left, narrowing the gap to one point. Hoth has now recorded at least eight total points in six consecutive games, solidifying his scoring role. Despite Bryce Moore's late layup and free throws, Ferris State couldn't overcome WSU's steady scoring from the line. The game concluded with Ferris State trailing 75–73, and the Warriors secured a narrow victory.

Bingham scored 18 points and recorded eight rebounds, contributing significantly on both ends with two blocks and two steals. He also continued his streak of recording five or more defensive rebounds in seven consecutive games.

Moore led the scoring with a season-high total of 22 points, including four 3-pointers, while adding two offensive rebounds and attempting a season-high 14 field goals. Owen Hardy collected 11 rebounds and added three points, showcasing his presence on the boards and helping the team achieve at least 36 total rebounds for the fourth consecutive game.

Boyd contributed defensively with two blocks and tallied six points. Additionally, Ferris State achieved at least 16 assists for the fifth consecutive game, highlighting their collaborative play.

Jordan Briggs led Wayne State with 18 points, adding eight rebounds and six assists while also recording two steals. Nweke scored a team-high 21 points on 8-for-12 shooting and grabbed four rebounds. Jenkins contributed seven points, four steals, and six assists, playing a key role on both ends of the court. Devin Belle added 13 points, hitting six of his 13 field goal attempts.

The Bulldogs fell to 9-9 overall and 6-5 in league play with the setback while WSU improved to 9-9 overall and 6-6 in conference play.

Ferris State will close out a six-game homestand by hosting Purdue Northwest on Monday (Feb. 2) night at 7:30 p.m. (ET) inside Wink Arena.

**Game Notes**
- Ferris State has achieved at least 73 total points in five consecutive games.
- FSU has now recorded at least 16 assists in five consecutive games.
- The Bulldogs have generated at least 26 defensive rebounds in five-straight games.
- Ferris State has achieved at least 36 total rebounds in four consecutive games.
- Bryce Moore recorded a season-high total of 22 points and attempted a season-high 14 field goals.
- Chang Hoth has finished with at least eight total points in six consecutive games.