BOWIE, MD --The Bowie State women's basketball team kept UDC to just 15.4 percent from 3-point range in a 4-for-26 shooting performance on the way to a 70-46 victory over the University of the Distrtict of Columbia Firebirds (1-6) at home inside the A.C. Jordan Arena Wednesday evening.
The Bulldogs (6-2, 1-0 CIAA) had three players score in double figures, led by Destiny Ryles, who had 19 points, season-high seven assists, five rebounds, and season-high five steals. Mia Smith added 14 points, four assists, and three steals, while Ayasha Thomas chipped in as well with 12 points from the bench.
Beulah Odiong grabbed seven offensive rebounds, fueling Bowie State offense with numerous second chance opportunities. The team collected 19 offensive boards, converting them into 15 second-chance points. BSU dominated in the paint with 36 points compared to UDC 22 points. Bowie State excelled in transition, scoring 28 points fast-break points while the Firebirds managed only two.
BSU forced 20 UDC turnovers while committing 10 themselves in Wednesday's game. The Bulldogs turned those takeaways into 22 points on the other end of the floor. Ryles' five steals led the way for Bowie State. The Bulldogs were efficient from the free-throw line, shooting 73.9 percent (17-of-23) and missing only six attempts.
How It Happened
After falling behind 2-0, Bowie State went on an 18-0 run with 9:03 left in the first quarter, culminating in a three from Shelby Ricks, to take an 18-2 lead. The Bulldogs then lost some of that lead, but still entered the quarter break with a 24-10 advantage. Bowie State capitalized on five UDC turnovers in the period, turning them into eight points on the other end of the floor.
Bowie State built that first quarter lead to 34-16 before going on a 5-0 run starting at the 3:49 mark in the second period to increase its lead to 39-16. The Firebirds cut into that lead, but the Bulldogs still enjoyed a 39-19 advantage heading into halftime. Bowie State dominated in the paint, scoring eight of its 15 points close to the basket.
Following intermission, Bowie State continued to expand its advantage, pushing it to 53-29 before going on a 5-0 run, punctuated by a basket from C. Taylor, to expand its lead further to 58-29 with zero seconds to go in the third, a score which remained until the end of the third quarter. Bowie State played well near the basket, scoring 12 of its 19 points in the paint.
The Bulldogs then held on for the victory in the fourth quarter. Bowie State took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring six of its 12 points in the paint.
Game Notes
» The Bulldogs held the Firebirds to only 24.6 percent shooting from the field.
» BSU never trailed after taking a 24-10 first quarter lead.
» Bowie State had a great day defensively, holding UDC to 15 percent from three point land on 26 attempts.
» BSU bench made an impact by scoring 25 points to its scoring output.
» The Bulldogs forced 20 UDC turnovers while committing only 10 on the other end.
» The Bowie State defense forced 20 turnovers.
» BSU were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, tallying five blocks as a team.
» Bowie State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 19 offensive boards in the game.
» Ryles led the Bulldogs with a game-high 19 points.
» The Bulldogs got a team-high 13 rebounds from Odiong.
Looking Ahead
The Bulldogs will remain at home to face Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) opponent Claflin University, Saturday, Dec. 7 at 2:00 p.m. inside the A.C. Jordan Arena.
The contest is one of two games that will be played and is themed as Ugly Sweater Day for the Bulldogs.
For the most up-to-date information on Bowie State Athletics and its 13 varsity sports teams, visit bsubulldogs.com.
