BOWIE, MD — Bowie State (0-1) dropped its season opener to East Stroudsburg on Saturday night inside A.C. Jordan Arena, 57-48, despite a strong defensive showing that included 10 blocks.
The Bulldogs and Warriors traded baskets throughout the opening quarter.
Malaka Cobb put BSU on the board with a jumper, while
Mia Smith later tied the game with a layup at the 6:24 mark.
Afia Owusu-Mensah added a timely tip-in late in the period, but ESU closed the frame with a three-pointer to take a 13-10 lead.
Bowie State grabbed brief momentum in the second quarter when Smith scored on a fast-break layup off a Cobb assist at 8:14. Moments later,
Jada Bouknight turned a defensive block into a transition basket to put BSU back in front. East Stroudsburg countered with a series of three-pointers, including one in the final seconds, to extend its advantage to 26-20 at the half.
The Warriors maintained control in the third quarter, outscoring the Bulldogs 14-10. Cobb continued to spark BSU early in the period, while Owusu-Mensah and Bouknight added key buckets. Still, a late ESU three-pointer pushed the deficit to 40-30 entering the fourth.
Bowie State mounted a comeback effort in the final quarter. Sterling and Owusu-Mensah knocked down important free throws, and Smith tied the game at 43-43 with a layup at the 5:16 mark. East Stroudsburg answered with an 8-0 run to regain control and held off the Bulldogs down the stretch to seal the win.
Bowie State Top Performers
Mia Smith
- 8 points
- 3 blocks
- 4 rebounds
Jada Bouknight
- 4 points
- 4 blocks
- 9 rebounds
Kristin Sterling
- 7 points
- 5-of-6 from the free-throw line
- 3 steals
Afia Owusu-Mensah
- 13 points
- 4-of-4 from the free-throw line
- 5 rebounds
Up Next
The Bulldogs will be back in action tomorrow, Nov. 16 as they take on Shepherd University, tip-off is slated for 3 p.m. inside A.C. Jordan Arena
For the most up-to-date information on Bowie State Athletics and its 14 varsity sport teams, please visit bsubulldogs.com.
