BOWIE, MD --The Bowie State women's basketball team fought back from a 10-point deficit 35-25 with 7:22 left in the third quarter to beat the Felician Golden Falcons (4-3), 70-61 at home Monday morning for Education Day inside the A.C. Jordan Arena.
The Bulldogs (3-2) had two players score in double figures, led by Mia Smith, who had 17 points, three steals and two blocks. Shelby Ricks added 12 points and four assists and Beulah Odiong contributed with eight points, nine rebounds, three steals and two blocks.
BSU passed the ball very well in Monday's game, racking up 15 assists on 24 made field goals. Destiny Ryles' five assists paced the Bulldogs and Ricks also helped out with four assists of her own.The Bulldogs locked down the Golden Falcons, holding them to just 14.3 percent from beyond the arc and dominating from the bench with a 17-10 advantage in points.
Bowie State defense was on full display, disrupting Felician's shots with six blocks in the contest. Smith led the charge individually with two key rejections for the Bulldogs.BSU turned up the tempo, outscoring the Golden Falcins 22-9 in fast break points to dominate the game.
How It Happened
After playing to a 4-4 tie early in the game, Bowie State went on a 6-0 run with 7:50 left in the first quarter, culminating in a bucket from Mayah Garner, to take a 10-4 lead. The Bulldogs then surrendered that lead and entered the second quarter down 17-13.
Bowie State continued to lose ground in the second quarter and faced a 31-24 halftime deficit.
Following halftime, Bulldogs kept the Golden Falcons from growing their lead before going on a 14-0 run, punctuated by a basket from Odiong, to grab a 44-37 lead with 2:31 to go in the third. Before the third period was over, the Bulldogs added five points to that lead and entered the fourth quarter with a 52-40 edge. Bowie State knocked down four three-pointers in the quarter to score 12 of its 28 total points.
BSU then held on for the victory in the fourth quarter. Bowie State took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring 10 of its 18 points in the paint.
Game Notes
» Bowie State rallied from a seven-point 31-24 halftime deficit to pick up the win.
» The Bulldogs held the Golden Falcons to only 37.1 percent shooting from the field.
» Bowie State recorded 15 total assists in the game.
» BSU had a 42-37 edge on the boards in the win.
» Bowie State defense forced 26 turnovers.
» The Bulldogs were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, tallying six blocks as a team.
» Bowie State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 17 offensive boards in the game.
» Smith led the Bulldogs with 17 points.
» BSU got a team-high nine rebounds from Odiong.
Looking Ahead
Bowie State will stay home hosting Shepherd University for a non-conference tilt on Wednesday, Nov. 27. The game is set for 5:00 p.m. inside the A.C. Jordan Arena.
For the most up-to-date information on Bowie State Athletics and its 13 varsity sports teams, visit bsubulldogs.com.
