FERRIS' CARLTON EPPS NAMED GLIAC PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Senior Guard Honored As League's North Division Award Winner

Epps led the Bulldogs to two victories as he averaged 23.5 points, five steals and five rebounds in the two contests. The 6-2 Epps tallied a team-high 22 points, six steals and five rebounds in FSU's 97-85 non-league home win over West Michigan rival Calvin last Tuesday (Nov. 23) at FSU's Jim Wink Arena in Big Rapids, Mich. He then added a game-high 25 points, five rebounds and four steals in Saturday's (Nov. 27) 75-73 road triumph at California, Pa.

Epps, who sank four three-pointers versus Calvin and had a personal career-high seven treys against the Vulcans, had 20 of his 25 points at California in the second half. His seven three-pointers was two shy of matching the school record of nine set by Leon Larthridge versus Quincy (3/2/91). The 2003-04 All-GLIAC First Team honoree also became the 23rd player in school history to register 1,000 career points by reaching the mark against Calvin.

A three-time FSU Defensive Most Valuable Player Award winner, Epps is the first Bulldog player to attain league award accolades this season. He also earned the honor once last season (Jan. 12) besides being named to the 2003-04 GLIAC North Division All-Defensive Team.

Epps, who presently ranks as FSU's leading scorer (25.0 ppg) this campaign, has compiled a team leading 15 steals and is shooting 51.2% (22-43) from three-point range to date. He needs six three-pointers to match Aaron Nauta's (1996-00) school record mark of 166 treys. In addition, he has presently tallied four 20-plus point performances in as many contests this campaign.

Epps tallied personal career-highs in points (413), steals (66) and three-pointers (72) last season. He placed fourth nationally in three-point field goal percentage (.503) and 23rd in steals (2.4 spg) while posting both the school's second-best single season three-point field goal percentage and made three-point marks along with the third-highest steals total last campaign. Epps presently ranks third in steals (190) and 21st in scoring (1,042) on the school's career leaders chart. He recorded 18 double-digit scoring performances and nine 20-plus point contests during the 2003-04 campaign.

Ferris State, which is presently 4-0 overall this campaign, will open GLIAC action Thursday, Dec. 2, versus Findlay at Wink Arena. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. (EST). FSU will then host Ashland Saturday, Dec. 4, in a 3 p.m. (EST) league home contest. The Bulldogs' 4-0 start this season represents the first time they have won their opening four games of the season since winning 11-straight to begin the 1972-73 campaign.