FINAL STATS

(BOWIE, MD) Bowie State University wrapped up its regular season with a 90-69 home thumping of Columbia Union College. The win puts the Bulldogs record at 20-7 and keeps BSU perfect this season (12-0) in the A.C. Jordan Arena.

Unlike the first meeting earlier this year (11/21/07), Bowie State never allowed any sort of comeback by Columbia Union's Pioneers. The closest Columbia Union was bale to get to Bowie State's Bulldogs was 7-6 very early in the first half. After that point, BSU went on an 11-4 run to open an 18-10 advantage, even though CUC did manage to close to within two points twice. Bowie State's lead grew to 47-32 by halftime with 10 of those points by way of free throws. Three-point shooting was a key stat in the first half for both teams. Columbia Union made six-of-13 behind the arc (43 percent) and Bowie State hit seven-of-13 (54 percent).

Columbia Union (2 – 22) trimmed the double-digit deficit to 10 twice in the second half but could not stop the Bulldogs inside game. The Bulldogs scored 38 points in the paint (32 in the final 20 minutes) and handed out a season-high 28 assists.

Senior Joshua Johnson led the Bulldogs with a BSU career-high 27 points to go along with seven rebounds. Fellow seniors Orlando Wright and David Paris accounted for 13 points apiece. Senior Jamil Ab-dal-Aliyy and Carlos Williams led Bowie State on the glass, pulling down eight rebounds each.

Columbia Union was led by Michael Belmes and Tim Turner with 22 points each. Maurice Stallion was the only other Pioneers player to score in double figures, chipping 12 points and ripped down a game-high 10 rebounds.

Bowie State will enter next weeks CIAA Tournament as either the second or third seed, depending on Sunday's (2/24) coin toss to break the tie with Elizabeth City State. The Bulldogs receive a first round bye and will play at 7 or 9 p.m. Quarterfinal game - Thursday (2/28) at the Charlotte Bobcats Arena.