For the second time this season, the Ferris State University women's basketball squad knocked off the #1 team in the nation as the ninth-ranked Bulldogs pulled out a thrilling 71-65 triumph over archival Grand Valley State on Saturday (Jan. 20) afternoon before a large crowd at FSU's Jim Wink Arena.

The Bulldogs, who previously beat then top-ranked Ashland on the road back in December, moved into a first-place tie atop the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) standings with the win over the Lakers.

After the two teams battled back and forth early, giving GVSU a 17-16 edge following the first quarter, the Bulldogs took control and used a strong second frame to take a 13-point halftime lead. The lead grew to as many as 20 points in the third quarter before the Lakers answered. GVSU outscored FSU 23-12 in the fourth, but it was not enough as the Bulldogs came away with the win.

For the second-straight game, FSU's Kadyn Blanchard had a big performance with a game-high 26 points for the Bulldogs. Senior guard Mallory McCartney had the hot hand in the opening half and tallied 23 points for FSU to go along with a game-high eight assists.

The Bulldogs also got 10 points from senior Chloe Idoni on the inside and came notched eight rebounds as the Bulldogs battled GVSU even 35-35 on the boards. Senior DeShonna Day added eight points for FSU.

Ferris State shot 44.1% overall and the Bulldogs made 10-of-30 (33.3%) three's along with nine-of-13 (69.2%) free throws.

GVSU finished with a 35.2% shooting figure and the Lakers went only five-of-22 (22.7%) from long range in addition to 22-of-24 (91.7%) at the free throw line. Grand Valley State was led by Nicole Kamin with 17 points and Ellie Droste with 11 points.

The Bulldogs got valuable contributions from all eight players who saw action, including five steals from senior Amaka Unobagha and three blocks from Idoni. FSU finished with 17 assists as well in the game.

With the win, the Bulldogs are now 12-2 overall and tied with GVSU on top of the league standings at 6-1 this year in conference play. GVSU fell to 15-2 overall and it marked the Lakers' first loss against D2 competition this season as their previous setback came against NCAA Division I Ohio State.

The Bulldogs will hit the road next week for two league matchups, visiting Wayne State on Thursday (Jan. 25) and Saginaw Valley State on Saturday (Jan. 27).