#19 Ferris State Has Milestone Day In Dominating Home Win Over Lake Superior State

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BIG RAPIDS, Mich. — It was a milestone day for the Ferris State University women's basketball squad as the 19th-ranked Bulldogs defeated Lake Superior State University in dominating fashion by a 90-59 score on Saturday (Jan. 24) inside FSU's Jim Wink Arena.

The Bulldogs continued their six-game homestand and claimed the win, with a commanding 53-point first half and 19 steals overall. FSU maintained a 38-point advantage midway through the third quarter, highlighting a dominant defensive performance.

Ferris State reached several milestones in the game as the senior duo of Mia Riley and Mya Hiram each notched their 1,000th career point. Additionally, senior standout Kadyn Blanchard became the Bulldogs' all-time career scoring leader, notching 23 of her game-high 25 points in the opening half to officially top the school record previously held by Hall of Fame alum Lucy DeMartin.

FSU began the game with a commanding performance, swiftly establishing a 29-17 lead by the end of the first quarter. Blanchard's early contributions were significant, scoring four of Ferris State's first 10 points, including a three-pointer at 7:22. Riley added to the momentum with a three-pointer at 7:47, extending the advantage. The Lakers attempted to respond, with Seyyane Matthew scoring a layup at 4:47, but the Bulldogs' fast-paced offense and aggressive defense, highlighted by 13 steals, maintained control throughout the quarter.

The Bulldogs commanded the second quarter, outscoring the Lakers 24-4. Blanchard played a pivotal role, contributing eight points, including a three-pointer at the 8:50 mark and a fast-break jumper with 4:54 remaining. Hiram added to the lead with a layup and a pair of free throws, making crucial plays throughout the quarter. Lake Superior State struggled offensively, with Matthew's put back at 7:25 being their only basket until a late jumper by Grace Bradford at the five-second mark.

Hiram's defensive efforts, including two steals, set the tone for Ferris State in the third quarter against LSSU. Although the period was closely contested with the Lakers slightly outscoring the Bulldogs 20-19, Ferris State maintained a significant lead throughout. Freshman Charlotte Miller contributed with a pair of three-pointers, one of which came at 6:52, extending the margin to 63-25. Despite Lake Superior State's attempts to close the gap with Dara Capaldi scoring a fast-break layup at 6:14, FSU held firm to finish the quarter ahead.

The Bulldogs maintained their dominance in the fourth quarter, securing a 90-59 victory over Lake Superior State. Mara Mitchell scored early with a fast-break three-pointer at 9:32, assisted by Emma Schierbeek, setting the tone for the quarter. Despite the Lakers' efforts, including a three-point shot by Clare Conzelmann at 4:16, Ferris State's defense was solid, with Hiram contributing crucial rebounds. Freshman Melena Glysch added to Ferris State's lead with a layup at 2:00, assisted by Alyssa Wirth, and Kenzie Garner's fast-break layup in the final 30 seconds capped off the scoring for the Bulldogs.

Blanchard led Ferris State with 25 points, converting 9 of 12 attempts from the field, including three 3-pointers, and also collected four steals. Hiram contributed with a double-double, posting 16 points and securing 10 rebounds, along with six assists and six steals. Schierbeek added 12 points on 5-of-9 shooting and recorded two steals. Elle Irwin finished with seven points and dished out three assists while also tallying two steals.

Ferris State had 13 players see action and 12 scored in the game with all 13 providing valuable contributions. FSU shot 50% from the floor in the win and went 10-of-27 (37.0%) from long range along with 20-of-25 (80.0%) at the free throw line. The Bulldogs also held a 42-28 rebounding advantage and forced 26 turnovers in the game.

Matthew led the Lakers with 21 points, converting 8 of 17 shots and a perfect 5-for-5 from the free-throw line. Conzelmann contributed 11 points, including three 3-pointers, and added four steals on defense. Bradford provided 9 points, shooting 4-for-13, while also securing two steals. Halen McLaughlin added 7 points, connecting on 2 of 3 field goals, and dished out three assists.

With the win, Ferris State improved to 14-4 overall and 7-2 in the GLIAC this campaign.

FSU will host Saginaw Valley State on Monday (Jan. 26) night with tipoff set for 5:30 p.m. (ET) inside Wink Arena.