BLOG 14: Is Olivet a must-win for the Bulldogs?

By Sandy Gholston

Ferris State’s Bryan Pasciak (right) protects the ball as he is closely guarded by a Calvin College defender during an exhibition contest (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

BIG RAPIDS – The hole Ferris State University is in right now already is a fairly big one as the men’s basketball team prepares to host Olivet Tuesday (Nov. 25) at 7:30 p.m. in Jim Wink Arena.

At 0-2 on the season, Ferris now faces an important home game against the Comets before it heads on the road for three road games to begin the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference portion of its schedule. After the Olivet game, Ferris is at Grand Valley State (Dec. 1), at Ashland (Dec. 4) and at Tiffin (Dec. 6).

After a disappointing loss to St. Joseph’s (Ind.), on Nov. 20, Ferris has to bounce back in a big way against Olivet to regain the confidence it had built up after exhibition wins over Cornerstone and Calvin and a hard-fought loss (72-57 loss on Nov. 15) to a Northern Kentucky team ranked among the top 10 in the nation in most major Division II polls.

Against Olivet, the Bulldogs will need to focus on a higher intensity level and playing with a higher level of confidence – more of a swagger. Sure, the indefinite loss of sharpshooting Austin Randel, to sickness, and the loss of hard-working Mark Gildersleeve, to a minor injury, hurt the Bulldogs against the Pumas. But, Ferris knows it has enough talent to compete and win in spite of those personnel losses.

Olivet is 2-1 on the season coming off a decisive 72-49 decision over Andrews University (Nov. 22). The Comets other win was a 68-67 victory at Aquinas (Nov. 19). The lone loss was a 79-70 setback against Notre Dame (Ohio) on Nov.21.

If you have any questions, ideas or comments feel free to contact Sandy Gholston at sgholston2@netzero.com