BOX SCORE

(BOWIE, Md.) Junior Darren Clark (Largo, MD, Largo, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania) and senior Eric Vann (Clinton, MD, Gwynn Park, Prince George's C.C.) scored 25 and 24 points respectively to lead the Bowie State University Bulldogs to a 87-81 season-opening victory over the University of the District of Columbia Firebirds. Bowie State (1-0) will host Indiana University of Pennsylvania – Saturday (November 20th) at 7 pm. 

The first 20 minutes of action saw seven ties and nine lead changes, but the home standing BSU Bulldogs managed to take a narrow 41-40 advantage into intermission. UDC's largest first half lead came at the 13:43 mark with the Firebirds holding a 15-11 advantage. Bowie State matched that lead with 1:36 left in the first half and a 38-34 Bulldogs advantage.

The University of the District of Columbia shot well in the first period, hitting 15-of-29 from the field (52 percent), which included 4-of-7 behind the arc. The visitors held a 19-16 rebound advantage at the break with Dyreck Jones (Brooklyn, N.Y.), leading the way with four.

Bowie State matched UDC's first half field goal attempts with 29, making 13. The Bulldogs knocked down 5-of-11 behind the three-point line over the first 20 minutes. Clark led all first period scorers with 13, which included 5-of-7 from the free throw line.

UDC held a six point advantage twice in the final period, 55-49 and 57-51. However, Bowie State went on an 8-0 run between the 12:15 and 9:52 marks to take a two point lead at 59-57 and would never trail again. The Bowie State lead grew to a game-high 10 points (79-69) with 3:01 left to play on a pair of free throws by sophomore Byron Westmorland (Baltimore, Md.).

Sophomore Bryan Wilson (Upper Marlboro, MD, Riverdale Baptist School) added 14 points on 5-of-9 shooting from the floor and added four rebounds. Junior Ali Djim (Hampton, Va, Bethel, Lincoln Trails C.C.) hauled down a team-high eight rebounds before fouling out with just over a minute left in the contest.

Phillip Izevbehai (Long Island, N.Y.) paced UDC's Firebirds with 23 points and Greg Avila (Bronx, N.Y.) contributed 20 points in the loss. Brandon Herbert (Baltimore, Md.) and Jones added 15 and 11 points respectively for the Firebirds.

The University of the District of Columbia (0-2) travels to Bloomfield College – Wednesday (November 17) for 7 pm contest against the Deacons.