The Tiffin University women's basketball team will open conference play this week with a pair of road games. The Dragons will take on a tough Ferris State Bulldogs squad on Thursday and then the trip treks further north for a Saturday afternoon contest with Lake Superior State University.
Tiffin University vs. Ferris State University
Series Record: The Bulldogs hold a 7-5 lead in the series, falling to the Dragons last season. Last season's win by the Dragons broke the Bulldogs four game winning streak over Tiffin.
Location: Jim Wink Arena - 210 Sports Dr. Big Rapids, MI 49307
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Last Matchup: The Dragons traveled to Big Rapids last season and earned a 67-54 victory over the Bulldogs. Ali Schirmer had a breakout game last season, coming off the bench to score 20 points on 7 of 13 shooting from the field.
Bulldog Buckets: Ferris State is off to a great start, winning five of their first six games. The Bulldogs are averaging 89.7 points per game, 3rd in the nation. Ferris State leads the nation in numerous categories, topping the list in assists per game (22.7), steals (110), steals per game (18.3), and turnover margin (12.5).
Junkyard Dogs: Ferris State is turning defense into offense, forcing 28.2 turnovers per game, 2nd in the nation. The Bulldogs lead the nation in steals and steals per game, and are hitting the boards hard, ranking 5th in offensive rebounds per game (20), 33rd in rebounding margin (+8.7), 18th in total rebounds (288), and 11th in rebounds per game (48.0).
Leader Of The Pack: Rachel McInerney is a force to be reckoned with, leading Ferris State in scoring and rebounding. She's averaging a double-double with 16.5 points and 10.5 boards per game. Rachel is 7th in the nation in double-doubles with four in her first six games. McInerney ranks near the top in rebounding in the nation, sitting 5th in offensive rebounds per game, 24th in total rebounds, and 27th in rebounds per game.
Dragons In Need Of Offense: The Dragons are averaging 62.6 points per game this season, ranking 220th of 302 NCAA Division II teams. It has been a combination of few free throw attempts, and streaky shooting that has led to the low scoring output. Tiffin is hitting only 39.2% from the field, 28.3% from beyond the arc, and have attempted only 61 free throws, 282nd in the nation.
Tiffin University vs. Lake Superior State University
Series Record: The Lakers hold a slim 6-5 lead over the Dragons since the two began competing in 2008, with the Lakers breaking Tiffin's three game winning streak last season with a win over the Dragons.
Location: Norris Center - Bud Cooper Gymnasium -1000 Meridian St. Sault Ste Marie, MI 49783
Media:
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Last Matchup: The Dragons went on the road and defeated the Lakers 72-59 last season. Allie Miller led Tiffin with 19 points, and Ali Schirmer added 10 points off the bench.
Five Years To Forget: The Lakers have had a rough stretch over the course of the last five seasons, posting a 27-109 record. The Lakers have won only five games in four of the previous five seasons.
Defensively Deficient: Teams have run roughshod over the Lakers' defense this year, averaging 88 points per game. The Lakers are allowing teams to shoot 45.5% from the field and 38.5% from beyond arc, both of which rank 285th or worse nationally.
No Boards To Build With: Lake Superior State is one of the worst rebounding teams in the nation, sitting 222nd in defensive rebounds per game (25.0), 294th in offensive rebounds per game (8.0), 295th in rebounding margin (-12.5), 282nd in total rebounds (129), and 284th in rebounds per game (32.3).
Miller's Mastery: Allie Miller is having a career year thus far, leading Tiffin in scoring (17.4) and rebounding (6.2). Allie has been lethal from three, sitting inside the top 50 nationally in three point field goals per game (2.80).