PRINCESS ANNE, MD --The Bowie State women's basketball team kept Maryland-Eastern Shore to just 36.4 percent shooting from the field, but fell 43-41 to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks (1-1) on the road Saturday evening.
The Bulldogs (0-1) had two players score in double figures,led by Destiny Ryles, who had 11 points. Mia Smith tacked on 10 points and six rebounds.
Despite the loss, Bowie State's defense held Maryland-Eastern Shore to only 36.4 percent shooting from the field, including 28.6 percent from beyond the arc.
How It Happened
BSU kept it close in the first quarter, but entered the second frame down 10-8.
Maryland-Eastern Shore kept adding to that lead, building a 17-10 advantage before Bowie State went on a 6-0 run, highlighted by a three from Ryles, to narrow its deficit to 17-16. UMES responded and expanded its lead, leaving the Bulldogs trailing 21-16 heading into halftime.
Bowie State came out of halftime on fire, going on an 8-0 run, punctuated by a basket from Beulah Odiong, to grab a 24-21 lead with 5:33 to go in the third. Maryland-Eastern Shore responded to seize a 32-28 lead entering the fourth quarter. BSU played well near the basket, scoring eight of its 12 points in the paint.
The Lady Hawks kept widening its lead in the fourth, constructing a 38-31 advantage before Bowie State went on a 7-0 run, finished off by Smith's three, to even the score at 38 all with 3:54 to go in the contest. The Bulldogs could not turn their rally into a victory, as the Hawks outscored them 5-3 the rest of the way to hand Bowie State the 43-41 loss. Bowie State fired away from deep in the quarter, knocking down three shots to account for nine of its 13 points.
Game Notes
» The Bulldogs held the Hawks to only 36.4 percent shooting from the field.
» Ryles led BSU with 11 points.
» Bowie State got a team-high six rebounds from Smith.
Looking Ahead
Following Saturday's season opener, the Bulldogs will travel to Pennsylvania to take on California (PA) on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 5:40 p.m.
For the most up-to-date information on Bowie State Athletics and its 13 varsity sport teams, visit bsubulldogs.com.
