#18 Ferris State Drops GLIAC Road Game At Wayne State

DETROIT — The nation's 18th-ranked Ferris State University women's basketball squad suffered its first Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) setback of the season on Saturday (Dec. 6) as FSU fell to Wayne State 84-71 in Detroit at the WSU Fieldhouse.

The Bulldogs allowed 46 points in the paint and finished with 28 turnovers in the setback.

Ferris State started strong with an early jumper by senior Kadyn Blanchard, assisted by Elle Irwin, at 9:27, setting the tone for a closely contested first quarter. Despite a series of turnovers, FSU managed to stay competitive, highlighted by Mia Riley's three-pointer at 5:10, narrowing the gap against Wayne State. In the final seconds, Ally Schultz's three-pointer, assisted by Irwin, tied the score at 17–17, closing the quarter on an even note.

The Bulldogs took control early in the second quarter, propelled by a three-point play from Charlotte Miller just 17 seconds in, pushing the score to 20–17. Riley extended the lead to 23–18 with a layup and free throw at 8:52. Emma Schierbeek's three-pointer at 7:39, assisted by Blanchard, further solidified the advantage.

Ferris State continued to assert its dominance with a strong 15–2 run midway through the second quarter. This stretch included two three-pointers and a fast-break conversion, culminating in a 34–24 edge at 5:43. Despite Wayne State responding with a late surge, FSU maintained the lead, ending the first half ahead, 39–32.

Ferris State struggled to maintain the early momentum in the third quarter, with Wayne State capitalizing on turnovers to take control. Despite Riley's consistent performance from the free throw line, FSU was unable to prevent WSU from outscoring them in the paint and on fast breaks. The quarter concluded with Ferris State trailing 58–54.

In the fourth quarter, Riley led Ferris State with a series of critical plays, including a 3-pointer at 6:53 and two successful free throws at 1:26, narrowing the gap against Wayne State. Despite Riley's efforts, FSU struggled to keep pace, as Wayne State capitalized on its opportunities, widening the lead with a late 3-pointer. The game concluded with Wayne State securing an 84–71 victory.

Riley led the Bulldog scoring effort with 29 points, converting 15 free throws and sinking four 3-pointers. Senior Mya Hiram dominated the boards, collecting 12 rebounds, including nine on the defensive end. Blanchard contributed nine points, making four of five shots and adding three assists. Schierbeek scored nine points, all from beyond the arc.

McKenna Ferguson led Wayne State with a standout performance, scoring 32 points on 10-of-12 shooting, including four 3-pointers. She also contributed eight free throws and four steals. Gabi Lutchka added 20 points, making six baskets and two from beyond the arc, while converting six of nine free throws. Jaci Tubergen facilitated the offense with six assists and pulled down five rebounds. Taylor Thompson recorded seven points and five assists, along with seven rebounds.

The Bulldogs, who are now 7-2 overall and 1-1 in the GLIAC, will next be in action with two games in Hawaii on Dec. 18 and Dec. 20 versus West Texas A&M and Alaska-Anchorage, respectively.