BOWIE, MD -- The Bowie State women's basketball team downed the visiting No. 20 California (PA) Vulcans (5-1) in a 74-61 victory inside A.C. Jordan Arena for its home opener. The Bulldogs never trailed after taking a 24-9 in the opening quarter.
Bowie State (4-2) had three players score in double figures, led by Jayla Irvin, who had 22 points, seven rebounds and three steals. Anii Harris added 19 points, four assists and three steals and Saniha Jackson helped out with 10 points, seven rebounds and two steals. Irvin pulled down four offensive rebounds to lead an offense that racked up second chance opportunities for Bowie State, grabbing 13 boards and turning them into 13 second chance points.
BSU forced 21 Cal (PA) turnovers that turned into 22 points on the other end of the floor. Irvin's three steals led the way individually for the Bulldogs.
How It Happened
After jumping out to a 4-2 advantage, Bowie State went on a 9-0 run with 8:11 left in the first quarter, culminating in a bucket from Harris, to increase its lead to 13-2. The Bulldogs then added four points to that lead by the end of the period and entered the quarter break with a 24-9 advantage. BSU did most of its first quarter damage in the paint, scoring 14 of its 24 points close to the basket.
The Bulldogs maintained their lead in the game's second frame and entered halftime with a 38-23 edge. Bowie State dominated in the paint, scoring eight of its 14 points close to the basket.
BSU continued to preserve its halftime lead before going on a 9-0 run, punctuated by a basket from Mia Smith, to expand its lead further to 51-31 with 3:24 to go in the third. Before the conclusion of the third period, the Vulcans had cut into that lead somewhat, but the Bulldogs still entered the fourth quarter with a 58-42 edge. Bowie State knocked down four three-pointers in the quarter to score 12 of its 20 total points.
Bowie State kept its lead intact before going on a 5-0 run to grow the lead to 72-54 with 1:35 to go in the contest. The Vulcans narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Bulldogs still cruised the rest of the way for the 74-61 win. Bowie State got a boost from its bench in the period, with non-starters scoring eight of its 16 total points.
Game Notes
» The Bulldogs held the Vulcans to only 31.7-percent shooting from the field.
» BSU never trailed after taking a 24-9 first quarter lead.
» Bowie State's bench made an impact by adding 26 points to its scoring output.
» The Bulldogs defense forced 21 turnovers.
» Bowie State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 13 offensive boards in the game.
» Irvin led the Bulldogs with a game-high 22 points.
» Bowie State got seven rebounds from both Jackson and Irvin.
» This is the first win for BSU against a ranked opponent.
Next Up
The Bulldogs will remain at home on Tuesday, Dec. 5 when the Bulldogs welcome Goldey-Beacom at 5 p.m. in non-conference action. BSU is 3-1 against the Lightening and 2-0 at home, however during last season's meeting, Bowie State fell short 67-62 on the road.
For the most up-to-date information on Bowie State Athletics and its 13 varsity sport teams, visit bsubulldogs.com.
