BOWIE, MD --Amare Wimbush collected 20 points, but the Bowie State men's basketball team fell in their season opener to the Clarion Golden Eagles 78-77 at home Friday night.

Wimbush added three assists, two steals, and two blocks to his 20-point game to lead the Bulldogs (0-1). Elijah Davis showed off his two-way capability with 19 points and five steals and Kevon Corley chipped in with 10 points coming off the bench.

BSU took advantage of fantastic ball movement in Friday's game, piling up 16 assists on 26 made field goals. Individually, Justin Morrisey dished out the most assists for the Bulldogs with four, and Warren Mouganda also contributed with four assists of his own.

Bowie State did a great job disrupting Clarion shots in the contest, coming away with nine blocks. Tyler Buckhanon led the way individually for the Bulldogs with four rejections.

How It Happened
After falling behind 27-19, Bowie State went on a 7-0 run with 6:59 left in the first half to narrow its deficit to 27-26. The Bulldogs then closed the rest of the gap and grabbed a 44-39 lead heading into halftime. BSU did most of its first-half damage in the paint, scoring 24 of its 44 points close to the basket.

The Golden Eagles proceeded to take a 58-55 lead before the Bulldogs went on a 7-0 run, finished off by Corley's three, to seize a 62-58 lead with 9:55 to go in the contest. Clarion re-asserted control, outscoring the Bulldogs 20-15 the rest of the way to hand BSU the 78-77 loss. BSU took care of business in the paint, recording 18 of its 33 points in the lane.

Game Notes
» The Bulldogs held the Golden Eagles to only 37.9 percent shooting from the field.
» BSU put on a passing clinic, recording an assist on 62 percent of made baskets.
» The Bowie State defense forced 17 turnovers.
» The Bulldogs were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, recording nine blocks as a team.

Up Next
Day two of the Bowie State Tip-Off Classic will start at 5 p.m., with Fayetteville State and Clarion (PA), followed by Bowie State and Lock Haven at 7 p.m. inside A.C. Jordan Arena.

Looking Ahead
Following the Bowie State Tip-Off Classic, the Bulldogs will remain home to host Cheney University in non-conference action on Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. from A.C. Jordan Arena. BSU is 6-1 all-time against the Bulldogs and dominated the Wolves 104-62 last year at Bowie, Md.