Nation's #24 Bulldogs Pull Out Dramatic Overtime Win At Northwood In Regional Play

MIDLAND, Mich. — The Ferris State University women's basketball squad secured a key regional win on Wednesday (Nov. 19) night, pulling out a 88-84 triumph in an overtime thriller over Northwood at Riepma Arena.

The Bulldogs improved to 4-1 overall this year and capitalized on 24 points from turnovers and 13 steals in the victory.

Ferris State's Kadyn Blanchard opening the scoring for FSU with an early layup before Northwood's Lea Holmes responded with a series of offensive rebounds, culminating in a successful layup at 7:50 to level the score. Senior Elle Irwin of FSU connected on a three-pointer at 7:45 of the first stanza, assisted by freshman Charlotte Miller, to put the Bulldogs back ahead. Northwood's Karie Keefer tied the game with a three at 5:23, assisted by Grace Isenhath, marking a shift in momentum. Miller contributed significantly for Ferris State, hitting a three-pointer at 2:33 to narrow the gap, and Emma Schierbeek's trey at 1:02 gave the Bulldogs a brief lead. Lexie Bowers of Northwood scored a layup late in the period to tie the game, ending the first quarter deadlocked at 17-17 overall.

Ferris State slightly outscored Northwood in the second quarter, earned a 27-24 margin in the frame. Northwood started strong with Maeve St. John's jumper, but FSU responded with a three-pointer from Ally Schultz at 7:12, assisted by Blanchard, giving the Bulldogs a brief lead. Keefer kept the pressure on for Northwood with consecutive layups, yet Ferris State maintained the edge thanks to senior Mya Hiram's three-pointer at 4:25. As time wound down, Ferris State's Irwin sealed the quarter with a layup in the closing seconds, assisted by Claire Erickson, securing a narrow lead heading into the half.

The third quarter saw Northwood maintain a slight advantage over FSU, finishing the period ahead 65-62 on the scoreboard. St. John was instrumental, contributing a three-pointer at 1:33 and two free throws at 2:06, expanding the NU lead. Ferris State stayed competitive with Schierbeek scoring a three-pointer at 7:41 and later adding a layup with 32 seconds remaining. Despite a strong start by FSU, including Irwin's early tip-in, Northwood capitalized on their opportunities from the free-throw line and beyond the arc to hold the edge.

In a dramatic fourth quarter, Ferris State edged Northwood by a score of 15-12 in the period, resulting in a tie at the end of regulation. FSU's defensive intensity was highlighted by five steals, contributing to Northwood's nine turnovers. Schierbeek tied the game at 71 points apiece with a layup at 3:29, assisted by Blanchard. Riley scored a crucial backdoor layup with just 1.8 seconds left, putting Ferris State ahead 77-75, but Holmes responded immediately with a layup at the buzzer for Northwood on the ensuing inbounds play following a timeout to advance the ball, forcing the game into overtime.

In a tense overtime period, Ferris State secured an 88-84 victory over Northwood. With 4:14 remaining, Hiram put the Bulldogs ahead 79-77 with a layup. Blanchard extended the lead with a follow-up layup and two free throws at 1:32, bringing the score to 83-79. Despite a late surge from Northwood, including a three-pointer from St. John with 19 seconds left to narrow the gap to 84-82, Ferris State clinched the win with free throws by Riley and Miller in the final seconds.

Irwin scored 16 points, converting six of her nine field goal attempts and grabbing five rebounds for the Bulldogs. Blanchard matched her with 16 points, also collecting seven rebounds and adding four assists. Miller recorded nine points and led the defensive effort with four steals while also contributing five rebounds. Riley added nine points and tallied three steals, providing both offensive and defensive support.

Maeve St. John led Northwood with 25 points, making eight of 15 field goals and hitting four-of-eight from long range. She also contributed defensively with three steals and added eight rebounds. Lea Holmes provided a strong presence in the paint, scoring 22 points on 10-of-18 shooting and securing a double-double with 14 rebounds, alongside two blocks. Karie Keefer facilitated the offense with five assists and added nine points, while also blocking two shots. Ella Miller contributed 12 points, converting 5 of 8 field goals, including two three-pointers, and collected four rebounds.

The Bulldogs, ranked #24 in the country this week, will hit the road to face Illinois-Springfield in regional road action on Saturday (Nov. 22) with tipoff set for 2 p.m. (ET) in Springfield, Ill.