ALLENDALE--The Grand Valley State men's basketball opens conference play at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday against Ferris State in Big Rapids. 

Thursday's matchup between the Lakers and Bulldogs can be seen live on FloSports (a paid membership is required) and can be heard live on the radio on The Thunder (107.3 FM) with Bryan Fongers on the call.

The Lakers come off a 101-64 victory against Michigan-Dearborn. The victory stopped a three-game losing streak for GVSU. Saturday's 101-point performance marks the first time since Nov. 23, 2021, that GVSU has scored more than 100 points in a game.

Shooting percentages have pointed the way to Laker results so far in 2022-23. GVSU is 3-0 when it shoots better from the field than its opponent. On the flip side, the Lakers are 0-4 when they are outshot by their opponents this season. The Lakers are unbeaten when they shoot better than 50 percent this season. GVSU shot 53.2 percent from the floor on Saturday against Michigan-Dearborn and ended the night with a victory.

The series between the Lakers and Bulldogs dates back to the 1967-68 season. Ferris State has a 10-game advantage in the all-time series. Of the 106 matchups all-time, 10 of them have gone to overtime.

SCOUTING THE BULLDOGS
Ferris State comes into GLIAC play riding a four-game winning streak. The Bulldogs started the season 0-2 at the Robert Garrett Crossover Classic, but have won their previous four games. Ferris State is averaging 80.5 points through six games and are shooting 49 percent from the floor.

The Bulldogs have rolled with the same starting lineup in all six of their games to begin the season. Ferris State's starting five has accounted for 58.5 percent of the scoring this season. Four starters are averaging in double figures. Ben Davidson leads the Bulldogs, averaging 12.3 points per game. Solomon Oraegbu (10.8), Ethan Erickson (10.7) and Dolapo Olayinka (10.7) also average double digits for the Bulldogs. 

ATTACKING THE GLASS
Coach Mann has emphasized the fundamentals of rebounding and the glass will be key for the Lakers. Ferris State has a top-20 rebounding margin (10.5) mark in the country. The Bulldogs are 35th in the nation in rebounds per game with 40.83. The Lakers, who average 32.86 rebounds per game, will need to fight down low for every rebound against a stout Bulldog post presence.

ALL IN THE FAMILY
This matchup between the Bulldogs and Lakers has family ties. Marius Grazulis' brother, Vejas Grazulis, has started all six of Ferris State's games. With both Grazulis brothers projected to start, expect to see a battle between brothers from the opening tip on Thursday night.