#7 Ferris State Starts Strong In Home-Opening Victory Over Spring Arbor

Postgame Highlights & Interview 

Big Rapids, Mich. - The nation's seventh-ranked Ferris State University women's basketball squad started fast in its home debut and cruised to an 85-70 triumph over visiting Spring Arbor on Wednesday (Nov. 29) night at FSU's Jim Wink Arena.

The Bulldogs stayed unbeaten on the year, improving to 4-0 overall by beating the Cougars, who had lost just once this year in overtime entering the game.

Ferris State jumped out to a 24-8 lead following the opening quarter and built a 23-point advantage late in the first half. Overall, Ferris State never trailed in the game and led for all but 22 seconds of the contest.

The Bulldogs forced 20 turnovers in the win and limited Spring Arbor to a one-of-13 (7.7%) shooting performance in the opening 10 minutes of the game. SAU finished shooting 41.5% for the game, but was also outscored by FSU 46-20 inside the paint and 28-8 on the break along with 14-2 on the offensive glass.

Senior center Chloe Idoni led the Bulldogs with 21 points in the game and added five blocked shots, four steals and four rebounds. Meanwhile, Kadyn Blanchard added 14 points and eight rebounds with four assists.

The Bulldogs also got nine points apiece from senior DeShonna Day along with Mya Hiram while Mallory McCartney totaled eight points with six assists and two steals. A total of 11 of FSU's 12 players that saw action scored in the victory.

FSU finished shooting 44.9% from the floor and heated up in the second half by shooting better than 50% in each of the third and fourth periods. Ferris State made seven-of-24 (29.2%) three's and hit 16-of-19 (84.2%) free throws.

On the glass, Ferris State held a 41-34 edge which included 12 offensive boards. The Bulldogs also came up with 15 steals and blocked 10 shots in the win while dishing out 24 assists on 31 baskets. FSU netted 13 turnovers.

Wednesday's contest marked the lone home game for FSU until the New Year as this Friday's (Dec. 1) scheduled non-league matchup with Great Lakes Christian has been postponed and will be played at a later date.

Ferris State will open GLIAC play on the road next Thursday, Dec. 7, at Purdue Northwest. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. (ET) and the game will be played on PNW's Westville Campus inside the H.D. Kesling Gymnasium at the Dworkin Student Services Activities Complex in Westville, Ind.