#22 Ferris State Uses Big Fourth Quarter To Pull Away From Davenport In Conference Win

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BIG RAPIDS, Mich. — The Ferris State University women's basketball squad used a big final quarter to top visiting Davenport by a 78-61 score on Saturday (Jan. 17) inside Jim Wink Arena, dominating the final quarter en route to the win.

The Bulldogs capitalized with 34 points in the paint in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) tilt and 28 fast-break points to secure the victory. The win was the fifth in a row for FSU, which is ranked 22nd in the country.

The first quarter between Ferris State and Davenport ended in a 17-17 tie. The Panthers' Kayla Covington scored the first points with a jumper at 9:36, assisted by Anna Axtell. FSU responded with senior Mya Hiram putting back a missed shot at 8:05, leveling the score. Senior Mia Riley's three-pointer at 7:40, assisted by senior Kadyn Blanchard, gave Ferris State a temporary lead. Nevaeh Williams of Davenport capitalized on free throws multiple times, keeping the score close. The quarter concluded with Ellie Toney's basket in the closing seconds, tying the game once more.

In a closely contested second quarter, Ferris State held a one-point edge over Davenport, outscoring them 24-23. Early in the quarter, Blanchard sparked FSU with a three-point shot at 9:07, followed by a layup to establish a brief lead. Riley contributed significantly, adding a fast-break layup and later assisting on Hiram's layup at the 1:08 mark. Williams kept the Panthers competitive, assisting on Maddie Geers' three-pointer with 1:01 remaining, but Riley's last-second three-pointer secured a narrow 41-40 halftime lead for Ferris State.

The Bulldogs held onto a narrow lead after a competitive third quarter, outscoring Davenport 16-12. Hiram scored with a layup at 8:12, assisted by Blanchard, pushing the Bulldogs ahead 43-42. Blanchard later hit a crucial three-pointer at 7:35, with an assist from Riley, to regain the lead 46-44. In the final minutes, Riley made a fastbreak three-pointer at 2:36, putting Ferris State up 49-48. Senior Emma Schierbeek added a layup at 1:20, expanding the lead to 55-50. Riley's two free throws with 57 seconds left helped solidify a 57-52 advantage going into the final quarter.

Ferris State secured a commanding victory over Davenport in the final quarter, outscoring the visitors 21-9. Schierbeek contributed significantly with a layup at the 9:19 mark and later sank a three-pointer with 4:33 remaining. Blanchard was pivotal, adding multiple layups, including one with 6:20 left. Freshman Charlotte Miller extended FSU's lead to 66-52 with a three-pointer at the 5:00 mark. Despite Williams' efforts for the Panthers, the home team maintained control throughout the quarter, closing with a layup by Blanchard in the final 30 seconds. Ferris State's defense limited Davenport to just three made baskets in the quarter.

Riley led FSU with 22 points, converting 8 of 8 free throws and adding seven assists. Schierbeek scored 20 points, hitting four 3-pointers and collecting two steals. Hiram posted a double-double with 10 rebounds and 10 points. Blanchard contributed 16 points, three steals, and five assists.

Williams led the Panthers with 13 points, connecting on 7 of 9 free throws while adding five assists and three steals. Geers contributed 15 points, sinking 5 of 11 from the field, including three 3-pointers, and grabbing five rebounds. Toney was a key asset with 16 points and four steals, shooting 7 of 10 from the field and securing six rebounds. Covington added 11 points, converting all five of her free-throw attempts and blocking one shot.

The Bulldogs outscored DU 13-6 on the offensive glass and held the Panthers to only 38.5% shooting for the game, including a five-of-18 (27.8%) figure from long range. Meanwhile, FSU sank 12 three's in the victory to move to 13-3 overall and 6-1 in conference action.

FSU will host nationally top-ranked and defending national champion Grand Valley State in a West Michigan rivalry game on Monday (Jan. 19) inside Jim Wink Arena. Tipoff for the battle between the two nationally-ranked squads is set for 4 p.m. (ET). All kids ages 18 and under will be admitted free at the door as part of the "Kids Day" promotion on Martin Luther King Day.