BOX SCORE

(RICHMOND, Va.) Bowie State held off a late-game run by Virginia Union and came away with a 62-56 division win over the Lady Panthers. The victory improves Bowie State to 11-7 overall, 7-4 in the CIAA and 4-1 in the North.

It was a slow start for both teams, but Bowie State's Lady Bulldogs opened up a 11-3 advantage by the 13:03 mark. However, Virginia Union went on a 9-0 run to tie the game at 13-13 with 9:00 remaining in the first half.

Alaura Jones popped a jumper in the paint to give Virginia Union their first lead at 15-13. Bowie State regained the lead at 16-15 following a free throw by junior Juliette Turner (Atlanta, GA, John F. Kennedy) and a jumper by sophomore Cortney Baynard (Dover, DE, Caesar Rodney).

Bowie State held a slim 24-23 lead at halftime but struggled shooting the ball. The Lady Bulldogs shot 27 percent from the field, hitting nine-of 34 and missed all nine three-point attempts.

Virginia Union (1-15, 1-8 CIAA, 1-3 North) had a tough time putting the ball in the basket as well, making only eight-of 25 first half field goals (32 percent).

Bowie State built a seven point advantage midway through the final period before Virginia Union roared back to shift the lead back over to the Lady Panthers on jumper by Latasia Robinson at the 8:43 mark.

Back-to-back field goals by seniors Teaunsha Robinson (Baltimore, MD, Baltimore Polytechnic) and Brittne Gowdy (Baltimore, MD, Milford Mill Academy) shifted the lead back over to the Bulldogs which would not be relinquished for the rest of the game.

Micayla Ricks made it interesting with 48 seconds left to play, raining a three-pointer from the top of the key to pull the Lady Panthers within two at 57-55.

Senior Lakisha Walker (Baltimore, MD, St. Frances Academy) was fouled on a drive to the basket, but calmly stepped to the free throw to sink a pair of free throws.

Ricks turned the ball over on Virginia Union's next possession and senior Brittney Jackson raced down the other end of the court to score a traditional three-point play.

Micayla Ricks led Virginia Union with 20 points and Jones along with Samantha Traynham chipped in eight and seven points respectively. Yuvonna Stevens pulled down a team-high 10 rebounds for the Lady Panthers.

Bowie State was led by seniors Brittney Jackson (Laurel, MD, Laurel) and Robinson along with Turner with 12 points each. Turner and Robinson made it a double-double night with each grabbing 10 rebounds. Lady Bulldogs junior Chanita Jordan (Philadelphia, PA, University City, North Carolina State) ripped down a season-high 13 rebounds.

The Lady Bulldogs return to the hardwood - Sunday (February 6), hosting the Lady Lions of Lincoln University of Pennsylvania. Game time is 2 pm in BSU's A.C. Jordan Arena.