BLOG 39: Ferris faces tall challenges against Hillsdale and Findlay

By Sandy Gholston

Ferris State University basketball player Lou Williams (right) plays defense during a road game at Grand Valley State University (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

BIG RAPIDS – The good news is Ferris returned from the Upper Peninsula with victories over Northern Michigan (87-81) and Michigan Tech (86-80) last weekend.

The bad news is the challenge gets tougher this weekend with a trip to face a pair of tough opponents – two teams that already have wins over the Bulldogs in Big Rapids. First up, Ferris faces Hillsdale in an 8 p.m. contest, on Thursday. Two days later, on Saturday, the Bulldogs take on the top-ranked team in the nation, Findlay.

Hillsdale has presented problems to the Bulldogs largely because of its inside-outside combination. The Chargers have one of the best post players in the conference (6-9 Tony Gugino and they bring a 7-footer off the bench). Plus, the Chargers have solid and experienced guards (good shooters) who fit a nice system and do a good job complementing Gugino.

Lately, however, Ferris has done a better job being aggressive and attacking the boards and finding better ways of getting the ball inside to big man Justin Keenan to do some damage. If Ferris’ guards are shooting well from the perimeter (guys like Austin Randel, Darien Gay and Matt DeHart), this should be a really good opportunity for the Bulldogs to steal one on the road.

Against Findlay, it’s an uphill climb. The Oilers did not stumble into the No. 1 spot in the nation. This is a team that has no glaring weakness and a whole lot of strengths. Ferris, or any other team that plays Findlay, has to play almost to perfection to even have a shot.

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