BLOG 36: Ferris women face a familiar foe in first-round

By Sandy Gholston

Ferris State University women’s basketball player Kelsey DeNoyelles plays some defense during Saturday afternoon’s game against Wayne State in Detroit (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

BIG RAPIDS – Ferris already has had two looks at Northwood during the regular season, and the Timberwolves won both games (83-67 in Big Rapids on Jan. 24 and 79-70 in Midland on Feb. 26).

However, if the Bulldogs hope to extend their season beyond this weekend’s series, they must find a way to trip up Northwood in the quarterfinals round of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament. Ferris and Northwood play for the third time this season on Tuesday beginning at 7 p.m. from the Bennett Sports Center in Midland.

The Bulldogs will be playing against the Timberwolves for the second time in less than a week as Ferris was defeated by Northwood, in Midland, last Thursday by a 79-70 score. Between the two games, however, Ferris had a 69-67 win on the road in Detroit against Wayne State.

The old cliché is that it is difficult to defeat a team three times in a season, and Ferris certainly hope that proves to be true in this playoff showdown. Late this season, the Bulldogs have been playing better ball, but that will be tested against a solid Northwood team ranked sixth in the region (Feb. 25) and hopeful of earning an NCAA Tournament bid.

Ferris must get off to a better start, on the road, against Northwood and not allow the Timberwolves to get into their run-and-gun comfort zone right away. Last Thursday, Northwood’s fast start forced the Bulldogs to play a game of catch up.

The Bulldogs must shoot well, get back in transition and maintain composure from start to finish against the Timberwolves.

For more on Ferris State University’s role in the (2008-09) GLIAC Tournament, visit:
http://www.ferris.edu/htmls/sports/bbmen/0809news/gliactourney09.htm

Also, check back with the Ferris Web site for more information regarding the GLIAC Tournament.

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