BIG RAPIDS, Mich. – The Bearcats had a true in-region road test on Thanksgiving eve, November 22nd as they traveled to Ferris State University, who was ranked 7th in the latest National Association of Basketball Coaches poll after starting the season 4-0. McKendree passed the test as they picked up a big in-region win over the Bulldogs by the score of 71-68 in the first-ever meeting between the two Midwest Regional foes.
In a contest that saw the score tied 12 times and 16 different lead changes, the score differential never grew over five for 39 of the 40 minutes. The Bearcats made it an eight point game with sixty seconds remaining as they converted free throws down the stretch.
"I think these guys are only scratching the surface of what they're capable of as a group. To go on the road and beat a program as good Ferris State is an awesome thing going into Thanksgiving," said head coach George Suggs following the win over No. 7 Ferris State. "I thought we executed our game plan, played with tremendous heart, and stayed together when it was tough. We are ready to get back to work and get better."
As a team, the Bearcats shot 25 of 50 from the field for an even 50 percent. After not attempting a free throw in the first half, McKendree went 17 of 20 from the charity stripe, led by Caleb Zurliene who went a perfect 6 for 6.
Zurliene posted a game-high 20 points on 7 of 11 shooting in 34 minutes of action. Milos Vicentic added 16 points in 38 minutes of 6 of 14 from the field. Joey Niesman and Carson Parker also saw 30-plus minutes of action and posted 14 and 10 points each.
After the holiday break, the Bearcats will begin Great Lakes Valley Conference play as they host the Rockhurst University Hawks on Thursday, November 30th at 7:30 p.m.
