BOX SCORE

PHOTO GALLERY (Courtesy of Lawrence Johnson)

(Bowie, Md.)  In front of a nationally televised audience, the Golden Bulls of Johnson C. Smith University held on to a 65-63 conference victory over Bowie State University on Sunday evening inside A.C. Jordan Arena. JCSU moves to 13-4 overall and 6-4 in the CIAA; while Bowie slips to 9-8 in the standing and 6-4 in the conference.

JCSU took an early 9-6 lead off a three-pointer from sophomore guard Ronald Thornhill. The Bulldogs retaliated with a 13-2 scoring run to put BSU ahead 19-11 with 7:46 on the clock. Coming out of a timeout, J.C. Smith held Bowie scoreless while producing nine points to take back the lead (20-19).

The Golden Bulls tussled with Bowie in the final five minutes of the first. Junior forward James Dillard scored the last points of the half with a jumper that sent JCSU into halftime up 36-30.

Senior guard Ryan Scott led the Golden Bulls' first half charge with 13 points, followed by Dillard's 11 points and five rebounds. Johnson C. Smith turned the ball over 18 times and was outscored 10-to-4 in the points off turnover category. Forward Duke Crews (Hampton, VA, Bethel, Univ. of Tennessee) kept the Bulldogs alive in the opening period with a team-high nine points and four boards.

BSU trailed for the entire second half, but the contest intensified towards the conclusion. Down 62-56, forward Curtis Massey (Upper Marlboro, MD, Largo, Dodge City CC) nailed a three from the left wing to bring Bowie within three with under a minute remaining. On the next BSU possession, Massey stepped out of bounds trying to catch a pass from guard Corey Stevens (Glenarden, MD, Good Counsel).

Scott was sent to the free throw line twice in the final 30 seconds. He converted on three of his four free throw attempts to virtually put the game on ice for JCSU.

Johnson C. Smith was out-rebounded 45-35, outscored in the paint 32-24, and allowed 23 points off second chance opportunities. The Golden Bulls still managed to pick up another win, largely due to shooting 46.8% from the field (22-47). Bowie only shot 36.2% from the floor (25-69) and just 55.6% from the free throw line.

Crews ended the game with career-highs of 26 points and 14 rebounds for the Bulldogs. Massey contributed with 12 points, seven rebounds and a Bowie State career-high four blocks.  Junior Cassin Diggs (Williamsport, PA, Williamsport, University of Pittsburgh) rounded out BSU's double figure scorers with 11 points to go along with eight rebounds.

Scott concluded the contest with a team-high 23 points, shooting 72.7% from the charity stripe (8-11). Dillard pitch in 17 points, followed by junior forward Jerry Hollis with nine points and 10 rebounds.

Bowie State will play three games over the next six days beginning with a clash against Elizabeth City State. The BSU Bulldogs and Vikings of Elizabeth City State will meet – Tuesday, January 27th at 7:30 p.m. inside BSU's A.C. Jordan Arena.