WSU WOMEN'S BASKETBALL GAME NOTES
2012-13 RECORDS:
#35-Wayne State 19-7, 17-5 GLIAC
Ferris State 13-12, 12-10 GLIAC
SERIES:
Ferris State leads 34-28
LAST MEETING:
Wayne State won 80-61 vs. Ferris State on Feb. 21
GAME STORYLINES
The Warriors play their first home playoff game since 2003 on Wednesday, hosting sixth-seeded Ferris State as the No. 3 seed in the GLIAC Tournament.
Wayne State's appearance in the conference tournament is its first since 2008. It's the 10th time that the Warriors have participated in the GLIAC Tournament.
WSU earned a share of the GLIAC North Division title on March 2 with an 80-66 win over Lake Superior in its regular-season finale. Wayne State's 17-5 GLIAC record tied Michigan Tech for the best record in the division.
IN THE RANKINGS
WSU has a No. 4-ranking in the Midwest region of the most recent regional rankings, which were released on Feb. 27. Wayne State is one spot ahead of Michigan Tech (No. 5), while Ashland (No. 1) and Findlay (No. 2) are the GLIAC teams in front of the Warriors.
LAST WEEK
Wayne State dropped a 61-60 contest on Feb. 27 in the program's first meeting with Walsh. WSU wrapped up its regular season with a 80-66 victory at LSSU, ending a two-game losing streak.
The Warriors led by two points, 56-54, with 2:45 remaining against Walsh after
Kayla Bridges knocked down two free throws. Walsh's Tracy Payne connected on a three-pointer at the 2:22 mark giving Walsh the lead for good. Walsh's Lydia Corle hit a jumper making it a three-point game at 59-56.
Talisha Bridges scored with 1:29 left cutting the deficit to one (59-58), but Payne made two free throws in a one-and-one situation with 14.4 left to again make it a three-point contest.
Juanita Cochran had an offensive rebound and basket with 3.9 seconds remaining, and Payne missed the front end of a one-and-one and WSU was not able to get a shot away in the final 2.5 seconds.
Talisha Bridges posted game-highs of 22 points, 15 rebounds and six assists to lead WSU.
WSU jumped out to a 41-26 halftime lead at LSSU. The Lakers pulled to within six points, 70-64, with 3:13 remaining, but the Warriors scored 10 of the final 12 points of the game.
Talisha Bridges led four WSU players in double figures with 21 points.
Kristen Long posted a career-high 17 points off the bench and
Imari Redfield and Cochran also finished in double figures with 12 and 10 points, respectively. Cochran also grabbed 12 rebounds.
SCOUTING FERRIS STATE
The Bulldogs finished the regular season on a three-game losing streak, one of which was a 80-61 loss to Wayne State on Feb. 21. Ferris State is 5-7 in away games this season.
Sarah DeShone leads FSU and is third in the GLIAC in scoring, averaging 17.9 points per game. She is second on the team in both assists (77) and rebounding (4.5 rpg). Ashley Rando is second in scoring (10.1 ppg), while leading FSU in steals (58). Hannah Hoffman leads the squad in rebounding (4.9 rpg) and is second in the conference in blocked shots (37).
The Bulldogs are third in the GLIAC in free throw shooting (74.8) and fourth in the conference in three-point percentage (32.1).
SERIES HISTORY
Wayne State won both matchups with the Bulldogs during the regular season, eclipsing 80 points in both games. WSU won at FSU, 81-68, on Jan. 24 and again in Detroit, 80-61, on Feb. 21.
The Warriors have won three of their last four and are 16-13 at home against the Bulldogs. Ferris State leads the overall series 34-28.
WEEKLY ACCOLADES
Talisha Bridges earned the GLIAC North Player of the Week award on March 4, marking the third time this season she has earned the accolade.
ON THE BENCH
Carrie Lohr is in her second season as the head coach of the Wayne State women's basketball team. She has compiled a 31-21 record at WSU.
Ferris State coach Colleen Lamoreaux-Tate is 13-12 in her first season at the helm of the Bulldogs.
REBOUND WARRIORS
Wayne State ranks third in the nation in rebounding margin (12.5). WSU leads the GLIAC in rebounding (48.1 rpg) and offensive boards per game (19.3).
