Ferris State Battles To End In Close Regional Setback To Lewis At Wink Arena

Postgame Interview & Highlights 

Big Rapids, Mich. - The Ferris State University women's basketball squad battled to the end on Wednesday (Jan. 4) night in their first game of the New Year, but came up short in a 74-67 regional setback to Lewis (Ill.) inside FSU's Jim Wink Arena.

In the Bulldogs' final non-league game of the year, FSU fell behind by 21 points in the third quarter, but rallied back and cut the margin to four late, but could get no closer in falling to 9-4 overall this year.

Lewis, which entered the game off an upset road win over nationally top-ranked Grand Valley State, jumped in front early before the Bulldogs responded and tied the game up at 15-15 heading into the second frame despite shooting only three-of-16 (18.8%) in the opening period.

However, the Flyers outscored FSU 23-14 in the second period to grab a nine-point halftime margin and pushed the lead to as many as 21 points with 2:34 left in the third before a late FSU charge cut the margin to 10 points heading to the final period.

In the fourth quarter, Ferris State outscored Lewis 19-16 before falling in the game.

Senior Chloe Idoni led the Bulldogs with 18 points and 10 rebounds in a double-double performance while adding five assists. Freshman Elle Irwin chipped in 12 points with Kenzie Bowers adding seven points and a game-high 11 rebounds. Senior guard Mallory McCartney notched nine points, six assists and four steals with both freshman Mia Riley and Grace Sullivan adding eight points apiece off the bench.

The Bulldogs finished shooting only 33.3% for the game and went 11-of-36 (30.6%) from three-point range in addition to 14-of-18 (77.8%) at the free throw stripe.

Overall, the Flayers shot 50.9% for the night and connected on nine-of-18 (50%) three's and 11-of-14 (78.6%) free throws. Lewis also outscored FSU 32-16 inside the paint.

The Flyers had four players reach double-figure scoring and were led by Jenna Badali with 21 points. Taylor Gugliuzza added 19 points.

The Bulldogs finished with a slim 36-35 rebounding edge and came up with 12 offensive caroms to only four for the visitors, leading to an 11-2 advantage in second chance scoring.

Ferris State will resume GLIAC play at home on Saturday (Jan. 7) as the Bulldogs host Lake Superior State starting at 5 p.m. (ET) inside Jim Wink Arena.