BOWIE, MD -- The Bowie State women's basketball team will travel to Wilmington, Del., to face the Wildcats of Wilmington on Wednesday, Nov. 15 with a tip-off slated for 6 p.m. from the Wilmington University Athletic Complex.

When: Wednesday, November 15 at 6 p.m.
Where: Wilmington University Athletic Complex (Wilmington, DE)
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The Series
Bowie State owns a 5-1 record over Wilmington since 2015 and have won the last five games against the Wildcats, including last year's 73-30 blowout in Bowie, Md., on Dec. 4, 2022.

Last Whistle
BSU competed in the Conference Challenge that featured Fayetteville State, Shippensburg and Mansfield last weekend. Bowie State fell to Mansfield, 66-57 during the season opener but was able to bounce back in a major way with a 61-52 victory over Shippensburg to conclude the challenge. Against the Red Raiders, the Bulldogs (1-1) had two players score in double figures, led by Anii Harris, who had 14 points, six rebounds and two steals. Mia Smith added 10 points and three steals off of the bench and Beulah Odiong added eight points, 10 rebounds and three steals. BSU out-rebounded Shippensburg 42-31 in Saturday's game, led by Odiong's 10 boards. The Bulldogs also grabbed 11 offensive rebounds and scored eight second chance points. 

BSU's defense held the Shippensburg shooters to just 33.3-percent from the field. The Red Raiders did not get many second opportunities on the offensive end, as they grabbed only seven offensive rebounds and scored five second chance points while Bowie State pulled down 31 defensive rebounds. Both Harris and Odiong were named to the All-Tournament Team.

CIAA Predictions
The CIAA announced its order of predicted finishes for the 2023-24 women's basketball season back in September and Bowie State was picked to finish third amongst 13 teams with three Bulldogs earning All-CIAA Preseason accolades in Katerra Myers, Harris and Jackson. Elizabeth City State, who won the CIAA championship in 2023 was picked to repeat as CIAA champions while Lincoln (PA) was voted No. 2.

Familiar Faces
The Bulldogs are set to return four starters from last season that featured Robyn Howard, Myers, Harris and Jackson. BSU will also return a total of 12 players from the 2022-23 roster, a squad that finished 14-12 overall and 10-6 in the CIAA last season. Bowie State is expected to get high performances from the three Preseason All-Conference recipients in Myers, Harris and Jackson. Myers recorded eight games in double digit scoring and 12 games with at least seven rebounds in 22 games played during the 2022-23 season. She led the Bulldogs in rebounds, averaging 6.6 boards per game while shooting 38-percent from the field.

Harris led Bowie State last season in scoring, averaging 14.6 points per game, which was eighth overall in the CIAA in 26 games started. She also led the team in minutes (31.7),  free throws with 110 made and steals (46). The Ellicott City, Md., native posted 21 games in double digit scoring to go along with six games with 20 points or more. Meanwhile Jackson, also a native of Ellicott City, Md., had a breakout season in 2022-23 - leading the team in total rebounds (155) and blocks (16). She averaged 6.0 points and 6.0 rebounds per game, followed by five games in double digit scoring including a double double of 16 points and 10 rebounds against St. Augustine's.

Bowie State debut three newcomers that include two freshman to the 2023-24 roster. This season marks the ninth for head coach Shadae Swan.

The Opponent
The Wildcats are 0-2 entering Wednesday's non-conference action. Wilmington lost to New Haven, 81-21 on Nov. 10, followed by a 72-46 decision to UDC on Nov. 11 both at home. Bowie State owns a 5-1 record over Wilmington since 2015 and have won the last five games against the Wildcats, including last year's 73-30 blowout in Bowie, Md., on Dec. 4, 2022.

Next Up
Bowie State will continue its road stand when the Bulldogs travel to face the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) on Saturday, Nov. 18 at 2 p.m. That game is a doubleheader with the men's game between Bowie State and UDC taking place at 12 noon.

For the most up-to-date information on Bowie State Athletics and its 13 varsity sport teams, visit bsubulldogs.com.