#13 Ferris State Closes Regular-Season With Road Win; Will Host Parkside In GLIAC Tourney

Postgame Highlights & Interview 

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Ferris State University women's basketball squad defeated Davenport, 71-62, on Saturday (Feb. 28) in the regular-season finale at the DU Student Center in Caledonia.

FSU overcame a slow start and a first-quarter deficit in improving to 24-5 overall this year. The Bulldogs secured the win with 28 points in the paint and a 46-37 rebounding advantage. 

The game began with both teams struggling to find offensive rhythm. Davenport's Nevaeh Williams initiated scoring with a jumper at 8:09, and followed it with a layup at 7:33. The Bulldogs responded as Mya Hiram converted two free throws at 7:17 to tie the game briefly. Despite solid defense, the Bulldogs struggled offensively, missing all 19 field goal attempts in the quarter. DU capitalized on Ferris State's turnovers with Ellie Toney and Maddie Geers adding to the score. Anna Axtell's jumper with one second remaining extended Davenport's lead to 10-4 by the end of the first quarter.

Senior Emma Schierbeek made an impact early in the second quarter for the Bulldogs, connecting on two three-pointers, including one from a fast break at 8:19, contributing to FSUs 20-point quarter. Davenport responded with scoring in the paint, with Ellie Toney and Kayla Covington each adding layups. Mara Mitchell's layup at 3:03 and Elle Irwin's three-pointer with 1:24 remaining kept Ferris State close. Despite a late layup by Taaria Pehi-Kupa, the Bulldogs finished strong with Irwin converting two free throws in the final 11 seconds, concluding the quarter behind Davenport, 26-24.

FSU capitalized on strong shooting to take control in the third quarter against DU. Mia Riley sparked the offense with two crucial three-pointers, the first coming at 7:32 to narrow Davenport's lead to one, and the second at 6:55 to tie the game at 32. Ferris State's offensive momentum continued with Charlotte Miller's three-pointer at 2:55, pushing the score to 45-42. The quarter concluded with Ally Schultz hitting a three-pointer with 44 seconds remaining, extending Ferris State's lead to 55-42 as they outscored Davenport 31-16 in the quarter.

In the final quarter, FSU maintained its lead over Davenport despite a strong performance from Williams, who contributed a three-pointer and a layup early in the quarter. Riley was pivotal for the Bulldogs, scoring a layup and two free throws to extend the team's advantage. Schierbeek added a crucial three-pointer at 2:39, assisted by Miller, further securing the lead. Despite DU's efforts, including a fast-break layup by Williams with 1:31 remaining, Ferris State held on to finish the quarter with a 71-62 victory.

Riley scored 18 points and collected 13 rebounds, leading Ferris State with her shooting and presence on the boards. Schierbeek also contributed 18 points, sinking four 3-pointers and grabbing eight rebounds. Irwin added eight points, recorded six rebounds, and posted two blocks, showcasing her defensive impact. Hiram facilitated the offense with six assists, complementing her eight points.

Williams led Davenport with 26 points, hitting 11 of 22 from the field and adding five steals. Toney contributed 15 points and secured eight rebounds, shooting 6 of 16. Axtell recorded two steals and four rebounds. Pehi-Kupa added defensively with two blocks and two assists.

Ferris State will be the number three seed for the GLIAC Tournament and host sixth-seeded Parkside in the opening round on Wednesday (March 4) at Jim Wink Arena. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. (ET). Stay tuned to FerrisStateBulldogs.com for additional postseason information.