Ferris State Drops Close GLIAC Home Tilt To Purdue Northwest

Postgame Highlights & Interview 

BIG RAPIDS, Mich. — The Ferris State University men's basketball squad came up short on Monday (Feb. 2) night as FSU fell to visiting Purdue Northwest 76-71 at Jim Wink Arena, despite leading by as many as 10 points early in the second half.

Purdue Northwest capitalized on Ferris State's 12 turnovers, scoring 17 points off those errors, and the Pride also generated additional scoring opportunities with 21 offensive boards in the game.

FSU began the game with a strong offensive presence, highlighted by Owen Hardy's early layup at 19:10, assisted by Chang Hoth. Senior Mykel Bingham contributed significantly with a dunk at 18:39, pushing the Bulldogs ahead. Despite early resistance from Purdue Northwest, Ferris State took control midway through the half. A key moment came when Joey Cabana tied the game with a layup at 9:48, setting the stage for a Bulldogs' lead. Hoth's 3-pointer at 7:58 further extended the advantage. By the end of the half, Ferris State led 43-35.

Ferris State maintained an edge early in the second half with a strong performance in the paint, highlighted by Hardy's layup at 19:04 assisted by Hoth, pushing the score to 45-35. Despite their efforts, including Bingham's contributions with a dunk at 15:58, FSU faced a challenge as Purdue Northwest closed the gap, eventually tying the score at 59-59 with 7:19 remaining. In the closing minutes, turnovers and fouls hindered the Bulldogs' momentum, allowing Purdue Northwest to pull ahead and secure a 76-71 victory.

The game marked the sixth consecutive game where Ferris State achieved at least 71 total points. The game concluded with Ferris State unable to overcome the deficit, ending with a final score of 76-71 in favor of Purdue Northwest.

Bingham led the team with 19 points and collected 12 rebounds, contributing significantly on both ends of the court with two blocks and two steals. This performance helped FSU achieve at least 36 total rebounds in five consecutive games. Hardy added 11 points while recording nine rebounds and two steals, aiding in their streak of at least 25 defensive rebounds over six games. Tae Boyd scored 14 points and facilitated the offense with five assists. Hoth contributed nine points and four assists, adding depth to the team's playmaking. Bryce Moore, who has been consistent in his scoring, recorded at least 7 total points for the fourth consecutive game.

Kyle Ross led the Pride with 20 points, converting 8 of 17 field goals, and secured a double-double by grabbing 11 rebounds. Garrett Clark contributed 13 points, including three 3-pointers, and collected eight rebounds while adding two steals. Ahlante Askew showed versatility with 11 points and a team-high eight assists, also leading with three steals.

The contest wrapped up a six-game homestand for the Bulldogs, who are now 9-10 overall and 6-6 in the conference standings.

FSU will open up a four-game league road swing on Saturday (Feb. 7), visiting Parkside for a 4 p.m. (ET) tilt in Kenosha, Wis.

**Game Notes:**
- Ferris State achieved at least 71 total points in six consecutive games.
- FSU has notched at least 25 defensive rebounds in six-straight games.
- Ferris State netted at least 36 total rebounds for the fifth consecutive contest.