BOWIE, MD --The Bowie State women's basketball team went into the fourth quarter tied 46-46 with Virginia Union (11-4, 5-1 CIAA, 1-1 North), but could not take control and fell 71-63 to the Panthers at home Wednesday night in A.C. Jordan Arena.

The Bulldogs (12-8, 6-2, 1-1 North) had two players score in double figures, led by Destiny Ryles, who had 19 points and two steals. Ayasha Thomas tacked on 17 points from the bench and Beulah Odiong added eight points, 11 rebounds and two steals. The Bowie State defense caused its share of mistakes in Wednesday's game, forcing 20 Virginia Union turnovers. Those takeaways turned into 15 points on the offensive end of the floor, Mayah Garner led the way individually for the Bulldogs with two steals.

How It Happened
After falling behind 9-6, Bowie State went on a 7-0 run with 3:34 left in the first quarter, culminating in a bucket from Jayla Tucker, to take a 13-9 lead. The Bulldogs then surrendered that lead and entered the second quarter down 15-13. Bowie State kept the Panthers from increasing their lead before going on a 5-0 run, highlighted by a bucket from Thomas, to take a 20-17 lead. The Bulldogs proceeded to tack on one point to that lead and enjoyed a 32-28 advantage heading into halftime. Bowie State dominated in the paint, scoring 10 of its 19 points close to the basket.

Virginia Union then took a 39-34 lead following intermission before Bowie State went on a 5-0 run to tie things up at 39 with 5:48 to go in the third. By the time the end of the third quarter rolled around, neither team was able to assert control and the game remained tied at 46-46 entering the fourth. Bowie State played well near the basket, scoring 10 of its 14 points in the paint. Virginia Union then snagged a 62-52 advantage before Bowie State responded by going on a 6-0 run to shrink the deficit to 62-58 with 3:20 to go in the contest. Virginia Union responded and outscored the Bulldogs the rest of the way, ending the game with a final score of 71-63. Bowie State got a boost from its bench in the period, with non-starters scoring eight of its 17 total points.

Game Notes

» The Bulldogs bench came alive by scoring 25 points to its scoring output.
» BSU's defense forced 20 turnovers.
» Destiny Ryles led the Bulldogs with 19 points.
» Bowie State got a game-high 11 rebounds from Beulah Odiong.

Up Next
Bowie State will host CIAA opponent Elizabeth City State University in a division match-up on Saturday, Jan. 25 at 2 p.m. inside the A.C. Jordan Arena for its themed 90's Day.

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