Box Score (PETERSBURG, Va.)  Virginia State University forced Bowie State University into 17 turnovers but was unable to take advantage of the miscues.  In the end, the No. 19 Bulldogs persevered for a 58-48 division against the Trojans.

  Both teams started out sluggish as neither team found the range early. After the sluggish start, Bowie State sprinted to a quick 10 point lead (19-9). The Trojans continued to struggle making only six baskets the entire first half, shooting just 24 percent from the field. After a pair of free throws by Bulldogs senior Travis Hyman to end the first half, Bowie State went into the locker room with a comfortable 31-17 lead over the Trojans.

However, there was a second half to be played.  Bowie State continued to pounce on the Trojans, extended the lead to 36-19 at the 16:05 mark.  After a crowd-pleasing dunk by Virginia State's Kenny Mitchell, VSU seemed to be energized and looked like a completely different team.  From this point, the Trojans went on a 17-6 run, cutting the Bulldogs lead down to four at 40-36 with 8:34 left to play.

Bowie State (16-3, 8-2 CIAA, 4-0 North) showed patience down the stretch and continued to work the ball around for quality shots.  Sophomore Trawn Rogers also played a key role over a minute and a half stretch, scoring four points on a jumper in the paint and sticking a couple of free throws.  The Bulldogs pushed the lead back to double-digits on a 3-pointer by junior Byron Westmorland with just over six minutes remaining and held on for the victory. 

Statistically, it was not a good night for Bowie State as the Bulldogs shot a season-low 32 percent and the 58 points were also a season-low.

“We're always extremely happy about any wins, especially wins on the road in this league”, said Bowie State head coach Darrell Brooks.  “I told our guys after the game that this is kind of how the first round, second round game of the CIAA Tournament could be … an ugly game ... you have to be able to defend, rebound and simply find a way to win!”

Virginia State (3-16, 2-7 CIAA, 0-4 North) was led by Mitchell with team-highs of 22 points and six rebounds.  Ibn Rassoull was the Trojans' other double-figure scorer, adding 15 points to go along with four rebounds, three steals and two assists.

Westmorland was Bowie State's only double-figure scorer with 13 points and Hyman added game-highs of 15 rebounds and three blocked shots.

Bowie State returns home for a huge divisional clash against Virginia Union University on Thursday (February 2nd) at 7:30 pm.