With their win over GVSU on Dec. 16, the Bulldogs lead the nation with 20 wins and have set themselves up for a marquee matchup with Lake Superior State University (LSSU) on Saturday, Jan. 27.
Though trailing at halftime, the Bulldogs were able to battle out a close 87-81 victory over GVSU on Saturday, Jan. 20. GVSU beat LSSU a few days prior and showed the Bulldogs that they wouldn’t be backing down from another big challenge.
The Bulldogs now have sole ownership of first place in the GLIAC and will have to defend that Saturday, Jan. 27, when they take on LSSU in a rematch of their only loss this season as they host the Lakers in front of what should be a crowd full of energy. The Bulldogs are undefeated at home this year thanks to the home-court advantage.
“The energy is amazing, the games are always exciting and the gym is almost always booming with energy,” Ferris senior wing Noah King said.
The Bulldogs traveled to Sault Ste. Marie on Dec. 16, where they dropped their first game of the year against LSSU, 79-74. The loss dropped Ferris to second place in the conference but a LSSU loss to GVSU has the Bulldogs back in first with LSSU looking to jump them.
The game should be a preview of the exciting basketball yet to be played as we get closer and closer to the home stretch of the year. This Ferris team is three-time defending GLIAC tournament champions and they will look to continue that excellence this season.
“It’s taken a lot of work to be here but we can still always get better, and we are striving to do that,” Ferris junior center Zach Hankins said. “I don’t think anyone here has lost a GLIAC tournament, so we know we can do it.”
After the game with LSSU on Dec. 16, the Bulldogs have eight more games to close out the regular season in February, including a rematch with GVSU on home court to close out the season on Feb. 24.
If the Bulldogs can get a victory in their next game against LSSU, they will have a two-game lead for first place and that is a cushion that certainly makes things easier for a team that has gotten so used to winning. A win against LSSU means the Bulldogs would be able to afford a loss or two and still be able to hold onto that first-place spot. Although, this team would rather keep winning.
“We just want to be the best team we possibly can this year and try to go for every feat that’s available for us this year,” King said.
This Bulldog team is capable of doing very good things as they approach this home stretch and it all starts with a potential win against LSSU that could very well be the stamp on the envelope on an impressive season.
The Bulldogs and LSSU are set for their rematch battle on Saturday, Jan. 27, in Wink Arena at 1 p.m.
Click here for more coverage of Ferris State basketball.