BOWIE, MD --The Bowie State women's basketball team out-rebounded the Shepherd University Rams (2-5), 36-35 on the way to a 74-58 victory at home inside the A.C. Jordan Arena Wednesday evening.
The Bulldogs (4-2) had three players in double figures, led by Destiny Ryles, who had 18 points and five steals. Mayah Garner added 15 points and two blocks and Beulah Odiong helped out with 10 points, eight rebounds and two steals.
BSU collected 36 rebounds in Wednesday's game compared to Shepherd's 35, led by Odiong's eight boards. Bowie State also put in work on the offensive glass, turning 12 rebounds into 14 second chance points. The Bulldogs dominated the paint, scoring 34 points while Shepherd managed only 20.
Bowie State did a great job disrupting Shepherd shots in the contest, coming away with eight blocks. Kristin Sterling led the way individually for the Bulldogs with two rejections off the bench. To add on, BSU led the way in transition recording 18 fastbreak points to Shepherd's 6 in the win.
How It Happened
After jumping out to a 14-13 advantage, Bowie State went on a 9-0 run with 3:15 left in the first quarter to increase its lead to 23-13. The Bulldogs then lost some of that lead, but still entered the quarter break with a 24-18 advantage. BSU capitalized on seven Shepherd turnovers in the period, turning them into 11 points on the other end of the floor.
The Bulldogs maintained their lead in the game's second frame and entered halftime with a 36-30 edge. Bowie State dominated in the paint, scoring eight of its 12 points close to the basket.
BSU surrendered its halftime lead until, with the game tied at 44-44 they went on a 5-0 run to grab a 49-44 lead with 2:41 to go in the third. Before the conclusion of the third period, the Rams had cut into that lead somewhat, but the Bulldogs still entered the fourth quarter with a 51-49 edge. Bowie State turned three offensive rebounds into five second chance points on the way to scoring 15 total points in the quarter.
The Bulldogs kept widening that lead, expanding it to 66-56 before going on a 6-0 run, finished off by Ryles' layup, to grow the lead to 72-56 with 1:04 to go in the contest.BSU held onto that lead for the rest of the game for the 74-58 win. Bowie State took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring 12 of its 23 points in the paint.
Game Notes
» The Bulldogs held the Rams to only 32.8 percent shooting from the field.
» BSU never trailed after taking a 24-18 first quarter lead.
» Bowie State had a 36-35 edge on the boards in the win.
» The Bulldogs defense forced 21 turnovers.
» BSU were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, recording eight blocks as a team.
» Bowie State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 12 offensive boards in the game.
» Destiny Ryles led the Bulldogs with 18 points.
» The Bulldogs got a team-high eight rebounds from Beulah Odiong.
Looking Ahead
Looking Ahead Bowie State will travel to Charlotte, NC to face Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) opponent Johnson C. Smith University on Monday, Dec.2nd. at 11:00 a.m. on the road inside Brayboy Gymnasium.
For the most up-to-date information on Bowie State Athletics and its 13 varsity sports teams, visit bsubulldogs.com.
