Bulldogs Mount Second-Half Comeback In Setback To #6 Eagles

Postgame Highlights & Interview 

Big Rapids, Mich. - The Ferris State University women's basketball squad mounted a second-half comeback, but came up short in a 79-70 setback to nationally sixth-ranked Ashland on Saturday (Dec. 7) evening in Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) play at FSU's Jim Wink Arena.

The visiting Eagles led 21-14 at the end of the first quarter and built an 18-point edge midway thru the second frame, but the Bulldogs fought back in the second half. FSU outscored the Eagles in both the third and fourth quarters and pulled back within six points a couple times down the stretch before AU held on for the win.

Senior forward Riley Blair had a big night for the Bulldogs with 26 points on 10-of-15 shooting with junior guard Adrienne Anderson adding 15 points despite an early injury in the contest.

The Bulldogs also got 10 points each from junior guard Shaniya Huggins along with seinor center Brayene Benner in the game.

Overall, FSU shot 43% from the floor and made 17-of-21 (81%) free throws along with three-of-11 (27.3%) from three-point range.

Meanwhile, Ashland converted at a 43% clip, but shot only 29% in the fourth quarter during the FSU rally. The Eagles sank eight three's for the night and made 15-of-21 (71.4%) foul attempts.

Senior Jodi Johnson led the Eagles with a team-high 21 points while Hallie Heidemann chipped in 17 points, including four three's, and Renee Stimpert posted 11 points in the win as AU improved to 7-0 on the year.

Ashland held a 42-33 rebounding edge and came up with 11 offensive boards to only three for the Bulldogs. However, the Eagles also had 19 turnovers to 16 for the Bulldogs. Both teams finished with 11 steals.

With the setback, Ferris State is now 5-3 overall this year.

The Bulldogs will visit Lake Superior State for their final GLIAC game of the calendar year on Saturday, Dec. 14. Tipoff is set for 1 p.m. (ET) inside Bud Cooper Gymansium in Sault Ste. Marie.