WILMINGTON, DE --Destiny Ryles scored a season high 40 points to help lead the Bowie State women's basketball team past the Goldey-Beacom Lightning (0-5), 79-71 on the road Saturday evening inside Joseph West Jones Center.

The Bulldogs (2-2) were led by Ryles who tacked in two steals to her 40 point game, while Mia Smith helped out with nine points and nine rebounds. Defensively, Beulah Odiong chipped in with six points, six rebounds and two steals. Additionally, Gabriella Clary contributed with 11 points and three rebounds. 

Bowie State out-rebounded Goldey-Beacom 37-29 in Saturday's game, paced by Smith's nine boards. BSU also pulled down 15 offensive rebounds and scored 14 second chance points.

The Bowie State defense was effective at taking away the basketball in Saturday's game, forcing 17 Goldey-Beacom turnovers while committing nine. Those takeaways turned into 19 points on the other end of the floor. Sydney Anthony led the way individually for the Bulldogs with two steals.

How It Happened
Bowie State kept it close in the first quarter, but entered the second frame down 18-14.

Goldey-Beacom kept adding to that lead, building a 31-25 advantage before Bowie State went on a 5-0 run, highlighted by a bucket from Odiong, to narrow its deficit to 31-30. Goldey-Beacom responded and expanded its lead, leaving the Bulldogs trailing 33-30 heading into halftime.

Bowie State came out of halftime rallying and had constructed a 45-41 lead before going on a 5-0 run, punctuated by a three from Ryles, to expand its lead further to 50-41 with 3:18 to go in the third. Before the conclusion of the third period, the Lightning had cut into that lead somewhat, but the Bulldogs still entered the fourth quarter with a 53-49 edge. Bowie State played well near the basket, scoring 12 of its 23 points in the paint.

Goldey-Beacom proceeded to take a 66-62 lead before Bowie State went on a 9-0 run to seize a 71-66 lead with 18 seconds to go in the contest. The Bulldogs kept expanding the margin and coasted the rest of the way for the 79-71 win. Bowie State took advantage of six Goldey-Beacom turnovers in the quarter, scoring 13 points off of those takeaways.

Game Notes
» Ryles, Clary, and Smith combined to account for 76 percent of the Bulldogs points.
» The Bowie State bench came alive by scoring 24 points to its scoring output.
» Bowie State had a 37-29 edge on the boards in the win.
» The Bowie State defense forced 17 turnovers.
» Bowie State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 15 offensive boards in the game.
» Ryles led the Bulldogs with a game-high 40 points.
» Bowie State got a game-high nine rebounds from Smith.

Looking Ahead
Bowie State will host Felician University for it's Education Day in a non-conference showdown on Monday, Nov. 25. The game is set for 11 a.m. inside the A.C. Jordan Arena.  

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