(SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich.) – The basketball season came to a close for Walsh as it fell to Ferris State 81-65 in the GLIAC Tournament semifinals at Lake Superior State's Cooper Gym Saturday afternoon. The Cavaliers conclude the year at 17-11. The Bulldogs (22-8) advance to tomorrow's conference championship against the Lakers.

It was tough to stop the Bulldogs as they were dominate inside the paint. They outscored the Cavs inside by a 55-29 margin. Ferris State also hit the majority of its shots, 31-of-61, for a 50.8 percent mark. At the same time, Walsh had troubles getting shots to fall as it shot 37.3 percent.

Both teams played close for the first eight minutes. A 3-pointer by L.J. Campbell (6-8, Sr., Weirton, WV/Weir) Walsh a 16-15 lead with 12:24 to go in the opening period, but the Bulldogs bit back with a 12-0 run to take control of the ball game. The Cavs did not see the lead again the rest of the way.

Walsh did have its opportunities and were not to be counted out however. The Cavs were able to trim a 16-point deficit down to five points after Zac Carter (5-9, So., Ironton, OH/HS) made a pair of free throws to make the score 66-61 with just under six minutes left. But the Cavs missed their next four shots as Ferris State returned with a couple of layups.

Jesse Hardin Jr. (6-2, Jr., Warren, OH/Harding) added a couple of baskets to make the score 72-65, but it was the final points for Cavs in the game.

Hardin Jr. led the Cavs with a game-high 24 points and seven rebounds. Trey Fletcher (6-6, So., Ironton, OH/HS) added to his strong tournament resume with 19 points off the bench on 8-of-14 from the field.

The Bulldogs were led by Drew Lehman's 21 points. He was one of four Ferris State Players in double figures.