SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV -- The Bowie State women's basketball team topped the Shepherd Rams led by a 20-point performance from the bench on the way to a 65-61 victory Tuesday.
The Bulldogs (3-2) had three players score in double figures, led by Anii Harris, who had 16 points. Mia Smith added 11 points, eight rebounds and two steals while Jayla Irvin chipped in as well with 10 points and four steals off of the bench.
Bowie State out-rebounded Shepherd 52-31 in Tuesday's game, led by eight boards from Katerra Myers. The Bulldogs also grabbed 21 offensive rebounds and scored 12 second chance points.
The Bulldogs defense caused its share of mistakes in the contest, forcing 20 Ram turnovers. Those takeaways turned into 16 points on the other end of the floor. Irvin's four steals led the way individually for the Bulldogs.
How It Happened
BSU fell behind 18-12 at the end of the first quarter. Shepherd kept adding to that lead, building a 30-21 advantage before Bowie State went on a 10-0 run, highlighted by a bucket from Myers, to take a 31-30 lead. The Rams then fired back to take a 37-34 lead heading into halftime.
Shepherd continued to increase its lead after halftime, building a 40-34 advantage before BSU went on a 9-0 run to grab a 43-40 lead with 5:22 to go in the third. Before the third period was over, the Bulldogs added three points to that lead and entered the fourth quarter with a 56-50 edge. Bowie State took advantage of 11 Shepherd turnovers in the quarter, scoring six points off of takeaways.
Despite the Rams owning a 11-9 scoring frame in the final quarter, the Bulldogs was able to hold on in the fourth for the victory.
Game Notes
» The Bulldogs held the Rams to only 32.7 percent shooting from the field.
» BSU's bench came alive by scoring 20 points to its scoring output.
» Bowie State had a 52-31 edge on the boards in the win.
» The Bulldogs defense forced 20 turnovers.
» Bowie State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 21 offensive boards in the game.
» Harris led the Bulldogs with 16 points.
» BSU got 8 rebounds from both Myers and Saniha Jackson.
Next Up
Following the Thanksgiving Holiday, the Bulldogs will return to action on Monday, Nov. 25 for its home opener against California (PA) inside A.C. Jordan Arena. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m. The Vulcans have won three-straight over BSU since 2011, including last year's setback 78-62 on the road.
For the most up-to-date information on Bowie State Athletics and its 13 varsity sport teams, visit bsubulldogs.com.
