MEN'S BASKETBALL: Ferris 88, Calvin 68

GRAND RAPIDS - Ferris State University kicked it in gear in the second half with an efficient offensive effort and a smothering defensive performance against Calvin College inside the brand-new and spectacular Van Noord Arena in exhibition action between the long-time non-conference rivals.

The Bulldogs got a game-high 19 points with six rebounds from Josh Young, 18 points and six rebounds from Justin Keenan, 14 points off the bench from Jon Yeazel, 13 points from Austin Randel and 11 from Daniel Sutherlin. Darien Gay had six points and six assists, Lou Williams added three points and with two apiece were Matt DeHart and Jim Boylan.

Ferris connected on 57.1 percent of its shots in the second half and a big part of that was thanks to a dominating defensive effort that held Calvin to just 31.3 shooting in the final 20 minutes and 29.7 for the game. Thanks to its defense, the Bulldogs were able to get into the open floor and put the pressure on Calvin which, at times, struggled to keep pace with Ferris.

The Bulldogs played without starting point guard Dontae Molden who was injured during the Dayton exhibition contest. Ferris had another scare in the Calvin game as Keenan went down with an injury, but the injury does not appear as if it will be a serious one for the All-American candidate.

One of the big bright spots was the play of Yeazel, who appears to be finding his comfort zone in the Bulldogs' lineup. Yeazel was able to use his quick first step, athleticism and strength to get to the basket and work the offensive glass as he connected on 6-of-12 shots from the floor. Yeazel also had three offensive rebounds as he perhaps surprised the Knights a few times with his ability to get up on the boards among the trees.

All in all, it was a solid effort in this exhibition tuneup. Now the Bulldogs need to heal up and hopefully have a healthy Keenan and a healthy Molden for a time when the games are for real.

Notes: It was a homecoming for several Bulldogs as head coach Bill Sall was an All-American player for Calvin College, assistant coach Cory Anderson once played for the Knights and new assistant Ed Douma coached Calvin to prominence once upon a time ... Van Noord Arena is an absolutely amazing facility (as is the entire complex) ... the Bulldogs played without injured point guard Dontae Molden ... a good number of Ferris fans made the trip to Grand Rapids for the exhibition contest.