BOX SCORE

(BOWIE, Md.) The Bowie State University women's basketball team closed out the final game of the "Cluck U Chicken" Lady Bulldogs Holiday Classic on a winning note, edging Ferris State University 63-60. The weekend sweep improves Bowie State's record to 4-3 on the year.

Ferris State, which dominated Virginia Union 69-43 in Wednesday's (Dec. 29) opening game of the event, held a three-point lead with 2:20 to play, but Bowie State outscored the Bulldogs 11-5 the rest of the way in notching the victory.

Ferris State led 55-52 late in the contest, but Bowie State forced three consecutive turnovers and senior Lakisha Walker (Baltimore, MD, St. Frances Academy) grabbed a key offensive rebound off a missed free throw as part of a 7-0 run to take a four-point lead with 30 seconds remaining in the battle between the two Bulldog teams.

Ferris State remained within striking distance after a three-pointer by Kelsey DeNoyelles cut the BSU lead to a single point with 10 seconds left to play. Senior Brittne Gowdy (Baltimore, MD, Milford Mill Academy) made two free throws after a FSU foul and a potential game-tying three-pointer from FSU's Sarah DeShone came up empty as the final horn sounded.

Bowie State held a slim 28-26 halftime advantage in the first-ever series' encounter between the two programs at A.C. Jordan Arena. The BSU Lady Bulldogs wound up winning the game despite shooting only 35 percent (21-of-60) from the floor.

Ferris State was hampered by 22 turnovers, which resulted in an 18-4 edge in points scored off miscues for Bowie State. BSU turned it over only 14 times in the outing.

The visiting Bulldogs shot 42 percent (22-of-52) from the field and connected on seven-of-18 (39 percent) three-point tries, but made only nine-of-19 (47 percent) free throws.

Meanwhile, Bowie State hit 16-of-26 (62 percent) shots from the charity stripe to go with five-of-15 (33 percent) three-point shooting.

Bowie State's Lady Bulldogs also owned a 42-38 rebounding advantage, grabbing 15 offensive boards, leading to a 10-4 margin in second chance scoring.

The loss evens the Ferris State record at 6-6 overall and the guests were led by DeNoyelles' game-high 16 points. Tiara Adams added 15 points and 10 rebounds and Tricia Principe chipped in 12 points and seven boards.

Bowie State senior Teaunsha Robinson (Baltimore, MD, Baltimore Polytechnic) paced the Lady Bulldogs with a team-high 14 points and 14 rebounds. The 14 rebounds also tied Robinson's career high. Walker added 11 points and a team-high five assists and Gowdy contributed 10 points.  Robinson was named to the All Classic Team along with Tiara Adams (Ferris State), Julie Kleber (Gannon) and Alaura Jones (Virginia Union).

“Ferris State was a tough team and I'm proud of the ladies for sticking it out and having heart”, said a jubilant Bowie State head coach Donna Polk. “Having T.T. (Teaunsha Robinson) back with us helps add energy, does a lot of things for us being tough inside”.

Bowie State will open conference (CIAA) play at Fayetteville State University – January 6th as part of a doubleheader with the men. Following that road trip, Bowie State will hosts three straight conference games, welcoming Winston-Salem State University (January 10), Shaw University (January 13) and St. Augustine's College (January 15).