BOCA RATON, FL --The Bowie State women's basketball team went into halftime tied 28-28, but could not take control in the second half and fell 64-56 to the Lynn University Fighting Knights (7-4) on the road inside the de Hoernle Sports Center Sunday evening to close out the calendar year.
The Bulldogs (10-4, 4-0 CIAA) had two players score in double figures, led by Ayasha Thomas, who had a season-high 16 points and six rebounds off the bench. Mia Smith added 12 points and Mayah Garner contributed with nine points and two blocks.
Bowie State did a stellar job taking care of the basketball, dishing out six assists while turning the ball over two times. Individually, Destiny Ryles led the way for the Bulldogs with four assists.BSU's bench outscored the Fighting Knights' bench 17-9 in the loss.
How It Happened
After falling behind 15-12, Bowie State went on a 5-0 run with 41 seconds left in the first quarter, culminating in a three from Ryles, to take a 17-15 lead, a score that would hold for the rest of the period. BSU did most of its first quarter damage in the paint, scoring 10 of its 17 points close to the basket.
The Bulldogs surrendered their lead in the second quarter and entered halftime with the score tied 28-28. Bowie State dominated in the paint, scoring 10 of its 11 points close to the basket.
After intermission, Lynn snatched a 36-33 lead before BSU answered back by going on a 5-0 run to grab a 38-36 lead with 3:23 to go in the third. Lynn responded to seize a 44-41 lead entering the fourth quarter.
Lynn kept widening its lead in the fourth, constructing a 59-48 advantage before Bowie State went on a 5-0 run to shrink the deficit to 59-53 with 2:47 to go in the contest. Lynn responded and outscored BSU the rest of the way, ending the game with a final score of 64-56. The Bulldogs took advantage of three Lynn turnovers in the quarter, scoring six points off of those takeaways.
Game Notes
» The Bowie State bench came alive by scoring 17 points to its scoring output.
» The Bulldogs dominated the turnover battle, forcing 12 Lynn giveaways while committing only two.
» BSU turned the ball over two times while dishing out six assists.
» Thomas led the Bulldogs with 16 points.
» The Bulldogs got a team-high seven rebounds from Beulah Odiong.
Up Next
The Bulldogs will take a break for the holidays and resume play inside the A.C. Jordan Arena, on Jan.4 at 2:00 p.m. in a CIAA showdown against opponent Fayetteville State University for its Military Appreciation Day.
For the most up-to-date information on Bowie State Athletics and its 13 varsity sport teams, visit bsubulldogs.com.
