The Ferris State men’s basketball team is still looking to get their first win in the 2025-26 season and their next stretch of home games provides that opportunity.
With the initial three games of the season not going the way the Bulldogs anticipated, they look to make a comeback with this week’s slate of home games against Kuyper College and the University of Michigan-Dearborn.
Ferris will take on the Kuyper College Cougars at Jim Wink Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 26, with tip-off set for 3 p.m. The Bulldogs will really need to capitalize on ball movement and rebounding heavily on both sides of the ball.
Defensively, the Bulldogs will need to put an early stop to the Cougars’ Sophomore guard Sam Dillard. He currently leads the team averaging 18.8 points and 7 rebounds per game. Kuyper plays a lot of on-ball defense and offensively, they aren’t afraid to get the ball moving around.
The Bulldogs’ success against Kuyper will hinge on shutting down key players like Dillard, who has proven to be a dynamic scoring threat. Ferris needs to focus on limiting Dillard’s opportunities by implementing tight on-ball defense, particularly in transition, where he thrives. The Bulldogs should consider double-teaming Dillard at times to force him into tougher shots or to create turnovers.
Ferris also hasn’t been consistent when shooting from the field. After three games, the Bulldogs have a field goal percentage of 41.1%. Improved shot selection will also be key, as forcing contested jumpers will only play into Kuyper’s defensive strengths. If Ferris can focus on getting quality attempts early in the shot clock and convert consistently around the rim, their overall offensive rhythm should improve dramatically.
In addition, they must control the tempo by emphasizing quick ball movement and making Kuyper work defensively. With senior guard Nick Moore leading the Cougars in assists and steals, the Bulldogs need to be careful with passing lanes and avoid unnecessary turnovers. He currently has 39 assists and 12 steals so far in the season.
Offensively, Ferris should look to exploit Kuyper’s off-ball defensive style, using screens and cuts to free up shooters. By focusing on executing disciplined offensive sets and dominating the boards, especially on the defensive end, the Bulldogs can neutralize Kuyper’s aggressive style and earn their first victory of the season.
Following this matchup, over the weekend, Ferris will be taking on the University of Michigan-Dearborn Wolverines on Nov. 29, with tip-off set for 7 p.m. This will be another matchup where the Bulldogs have the home-field advantage at Jim Wink Arena.
The key to this game will be very similar, as containing the Wolverines’ best shooter will be crucial. Junior guard Jackson Reynolds is currently averaging 26.9 points across eight games this season. The Wolverines’ offense leans heavily on fast-paced ball movement, which has created consistent scoring opportunities for their perimeter shooters like Reynolds.
The Wolverines are also currently averaging 22 defensive rebounds per game. Ferris will look to control the tempo and limit turnovers, which have been a point of emphasis in recent practices.
The Bulldogs look to take home their first win of the season this week during their first two home games of the season. Ferris will take on Kuyper College on Wednesday, Nov. 26, at 3 p.m. and the University of Michigan-Dearborn on Saturday, Nov. 29, at 7 p.m.