BIG RAPIDS, Mich. — Four Panthers reached double figures, but Davenport (4-12, 2-6 GLIAC) could not keep pace with Ferris St. perimeter shooting in a 78–61 setback to the Bulldogs (13-3, 6-1 GLIAC) on Saturday. Despite forcing turnovers and generating 21 points off them, FSU knocked down 12 three-pointers to pull away late.
DU came out sharp on both ends, opening the game with a jumper from Kayla Covington just 24 seconds in, assisted by Anna Axtell. The Bulldogs briefly gained an edge, but the Panthers' defensive pressure - highlighted by six first-quarter steals - kept the game even. Maddie Geers capped the opening frame with a tip-in at the buzzer to knot the score at 17–17.
Momentum swung early in the second quarter as Nevaeh Williams finished a layup to give Davenport a 19–17 lead. Ferris St. responded with a quick run to go ahead 24–19, prompting a Panther timeout. Out of the break, Covington sparked the offense with a three-point play to tie the game, and Geers later drilled a fastbreak three with just over a minute remaining to put DU in front, 40–38. FSU answered before halftime, edging ahead 41–40 at the break.
The Panthers regained the lead early in the third on Ellie Toney's layup at the 9:23 mark, assisted by Williams. The teams traded baskets over the next several minutes, with Covington's free throws briefly giving Davenport a 44–43 advantage. The Bulldogs closed the quarter strong, however, using timely execution and points at the line to build a 57–52 lead entering the final 10 minutes.
Davenport continued to battle defensively, with Toney making an impact on both ends, including a key steal midway through the quarter. In the fourth, Williams completed a layup and free throw with 3:41 remaining to cut the deficit to 71–56, but the Bulldogs answered with transition scores and timely shooting from deep to seal the outcome, 78-61.
Davenport Top Performers
Ellie Toney
- 16 points
- 4 steals
- 6 rebounds
Maddie Geers
- 15 points
- 3 three-pointers
- 5 rebounds
Nevaeh Williams
- 13 points
- 7-of-9 free throws
- 5 assists
Davenport remains on the road next week, traveling to Chicago and Parkside for matchups on Jan. 22 and 24.
