BLOG 22: Bulldog men happy to be home; eyes two tough opponents

By Sandy Gholston

Ferris State University’s Justin Keenan goes up for a shot in traffic during a team practice session (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

BIG RAPIDS – Battling a tough early schedule, Ferris State University’s men’s basketball team is looking pretty good entering a weekend during which it faces two of the best teams in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and maybe the best team in the nation (University of Findlay).

The Bulldogs host Hillsdale on Saturday beginning at 3 p.m. and then will host Findlay, the No. 1-ranked team in the nation on Sunday starting at 4 p.m.

The Oilers enter the weekend 5-0 overall and 2-0 in the GLIAC South Division. Findlay is ranked No. 1 in the nation in the National Association of Basketball Coaches Division II Coaches Top 25 Poll. Josh Bostic, the Oilers’ top scorer, is one of the nation’s premier returning players. So far this season, he ranks fourth in the GLIAC in scoring (18 points per contest). In the post, the Oilers have Lee Roberts, who is averaging 12.2 points and 7.4 rebounds. UF also has Marcus Parker, a junior, who is one of the top point guards in the GLIAC and is the league’s top assist man at 5.8 per contest.

If you’re looking for many weaknesses in Findlay’s team, forget it. The Oilers, coached by Ron Niekamp who is in his 24th season, are not the top-ranked team in the nation by accident.

The Chargers enter the weekend owners of a record of 4-1 overall and 2-0 in the South Division of the GLIAC. Tony Gugino, at 6-foot-9, is one of the better returning post players in the league and is tied for fifth in the GLIAC in scoring at 17.8 per contest. He ranks second in the league in rebounding (9.8 per contest). Ferris has had its hands full in recent seasons going against Hillsdale and will expect another fight from the Chargers Saturday afternoon in Jim Wink Arena.

The Bulldogs hope to continue their winning ways coming off road victories last week in Ohio at Ashland (96-91) and at Tiffin (74-48). Among the keys to Ferris’ success was great guard play from point men Darien Gay, a sophomore, and Dontae Molden, a freshman, who ranks third in the GLIAC in assists (4.2). Also red hot of late is current GLIAC North Division Player of the Week Josh Young, who has been a pleasant surprise for the Bulldogs so far this season with his explosive and versatile scoring ability out of the backcourt. Young ranks seventh in the league in scoring, averaging 17.5 points per game.

Check out free admissions promotions planned for Ferris State University basketball games:
http://www.ferris.edu/sports/bbmen/0809news/bbfreeadmission.htm

Student events planned for basketball games:
http://www.ferris.edu/sports/bbmen/0809news/bbstudentevents.htm

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