Furious Comeback Lifts Ferris State To Home Win Over Findlay As 'Dawgs Stay Perfect

Postgame Highlights & Interview 

Big Rapids, Mich. - The Ferris State University men's basketball squad overcame an early Findlay start and an 18-point second half deficit to notch a 89-78 victory and stay unbeaten on Saturday (Nov. 16) inside FSU's Jim Wink Arena.

The Bulldogs improved to a nation-leading 7-0 with a furious second half comeback in a battle between two of the Midwest Region's top programs in non-conference action.

The visiting Oilers jumped out to an early lead and led by as many as 17 points with just over 18 minutes to go in the first half before taking a 42-35 lead at intermission.

In the second half, the Bulldogs played catch up much of the way as they trimmed the margin down inside five points before eventually the Oilers pushed the edge to 18 points with 12:46 to play. Each time the Bulldogs pulled closer, the Oilers had the answer and maintained the advantage much of the way.

However, the Bulldogs rallied in the final 10 minutes behind an energized and enthusiastic crowd. Findlay led 69-58 with 7:47 remaining, but FSU outscored the Oilers 31-9 the rest of the way to pull out the victory.

Junior forward Dorian Aluyi tallied 19 points and pulled down six rebounds in leading the Bulldogs while junior guard Walt Kelser chipped in with 15 points, five rebounds and three assists.

Senior guard Greg Williams gave the Bulldogs a spark off the bench as he went five-of-nine from the floor and finished with 14 points and four assists to go with two steals. The Bulldogs also got 11 points and seven boards from sophomore post Mason Pline in the triumph.

FSU utilized nine players in the game and all nine scored. After shooting only 37.5% from the floor in the first half, the Bulldogs shot 50% for the second half to finish at 43.8% for the evening. The Bulldogs were three-of-24 (12.5%) from long range and 22-of-31 (71%) at the line.

The Bulldog comeback spoiled an outstanding game by Findlay guard Tommy Schmock, who finished with 16 points, 13 assists, five rebounds and three steals, but also had five turnovers as FSU's defensive pressure down the stretch resulted in 25 Oiler turnovers on the afternoon.

Along with Schmock, the Oilers got 17 points and eight boards from senior big man Aaron Overhiser in addition to 12 points from Anthony Masterlasco and 10 by Nathan Bruns, who also had nine rebounds.

Ferris State outscored UF 19-15 in points off turnovers and 14-9 on the offensive glass as the Bulldogs recorded 15 offensive caroms to only four for Findlay. FSU also had 14 steals, including four from senior guard D'angelo Hughes, to go with 22 assists and two blocks. The Oilers netted 23 assists, six steals and a single block.

Overall, the Bulldog reserves outscored Findlay's bench 35-17 for the game.

The contest marked UF's first visit to Wink Arena since the 2018 NCAA Division II Midwest Regional Championship game won by the Bulldogs before a sold out crowd en route to the school's first national championship.

Ferris State continues regional action and its 10-game homestand by hosting Hillsdale on Wednesday, Nov. 20, starting at 7 p.m. (ET) inside Wink Arena.