BOWIE, MD -- The Bulldogs snapped a five-game losing streak and earned a 58-54 victory against the Virginia Union Panthers (16-9, 9-6 CIAA, 5-3 North) at home Wednesday night inside A.C. Jordan Arena in a Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Northern Division contest.

BSU (12-11, 6-7 CIAA, 1-5 North) had two players score in double figures, led by Anii Harris, who had 17 points and two steals. Jayla Irvin tacked on 10 points and Saniha Jackson added four points, 12 rebounds, and two blocks.

The Bulldogs out-rebounded the Panthers 50-41 in Wednesday's game, led by Jackson's 12 boards. The BSU also grabbed 15 offensive rebounds and scored 13 second-chance points.

BSU's defense forced 17 VUU turnovers. Those takeaways turned into 16 points on the offensive end of the floor. Harris' two steals led the way individually for the Bulldogs. Bowie State took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring 10 of its 15 points in the paint.

How It Happened
BSU kept it close in the first quarter but entered the second frame down 12-10.

The Bulldogs then started the second quarter by going on a 6-0 run to take a 16-12 lead. The BSU tacked on six points to that lead and enjoyed a 32-22 advantage heading into halftime. BSU forced five VUU turnovers in the period and turned them into eight points.

After halftime, the Bulldogs held on to its advantage and owned a 43-37 lead heading into the fourth quarter. BSU played well near the basket, scoring six of its 11 points in the paint.

The Lady Panthers tied things up at 45-45 before the Bulldogs went on a 7-0 run, finished off by a jumper from Harris to seize a 52-45 lead with 3:52 to go in the contest. VUU narrowed the margin somewhat before the game ended, but the Bulldogs still held on for the 58-54 win. 

Game Notes
» The Bulldogs held the Panthers to only 29.2 percent shooting from the field.
» BSU never trailed in the second half on its way to victory.
» The Bulldogs bench made an impact by adding 20 points to its scoring output.
» BSU had a 50-41 edge on the boards in the win.
» The Bulldogs defense forced 17 turnovers.
» BSU cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 15 offensive boards in the game.
» Harris led the Bulldogs with a game-high 17 points.
» Bowie State got a game-high 12 rebounds from Jackson.

Up Next
Bowie State is set to host Bluefield State for senior night in A.C. Jordan Arena Saturday Feb. 17. Tipoff will begin promptly at 2 p.m. (ET) 

For the most up-to-date information on Bowie State Athletics and its 13 varsity sports teams, visit bsubulldogs.com.