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Michigan downs Ferris State in season opener

Nov 12, 2011 - 6:43 AM Ann Arbor, MI (Sports Network) - Stu Douglass and Evan Smotrycz both scored 14 points to lead the 18th-ranked Michigan Wolverines to a 59-33 victory over the Ferris State Bulldogs.

Tim Hardaway Jr. had 12 points and Jordan Morgan added seven points and six rebounds for the Wolverines (1-0), who converted 17 Ferris State turnovers into 15 points.

"I'm more comfortable with myself and more comfortable with the offense," said Douglass. "That's what the team needs."

Daniel Sutherlin had 11 points to pace the Bulldogs (0-1), who shot just 28 percent from the field and made just 3-of-18 three pointers.

The Wolverines struggled a week ago in a 47-39 exhibition win over Wayne State and the inferior play appeared to carry over into Friday's first half.

Michigan shot just 27.6 percent from the floor, but held a 22-16 lead at the break thanks to an equally woeful effort from Ferris State.

The Bulldogs, who hail from Division II's Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, shot 26.9 percent, including 1-for-10 from beyond the arc over the first 20 minutes of play.

Smotrycz appeared to bounce back from a subpar effort against Wayne State, totaling five first-half points with three boards, a steal and a block.

"I think in the first half we were definitely taking some forced shots," said Smotrycz. "That will slow down over time."

The Wolverines, however, got going after the intermission, shooting 51.9 percent from the field and 45.5 percent (5-of-11) from deep.

Douglass poured in nine points and grabbed three rebounds over that span, as Michigan pulled away.

Jerrell Sanders, a primary scoring threat for the Bulldogs, had eight second- half points, but as a team, Ferris State hit just 29.2 percent of its shots over the final 20 minutes of play.

Game Notes

The Wolverines next play Monday at home against Towson...Sanders, a junior, finished with nine points.