BOWIE, MD — The Bowie State University women's basketball team (1-1) earned its first win of the season in dramatic fashion, defeating Shepherd 82-72 in overtime at A.C. Jordan Arena. The Bulldogs forced extra time with a gritty fourth-quarter comeback and dominated the OT period behind defensive stops and clutch scoring.

SU opened the game with an early layup, but BSU responded right away as Afia Owusu-Mensah buried a three-pointer to put the Bulldogs in front. The opening quarter featured back-and-forth action, with buckets from Owusu-Mensah, Mayah Garner, and Gabriella Clary. Kristin Sterling capped the frame with two free throws and a late layup, sending BSU into the second with a 16-14 lead.

The Rams edged ahead in the second quarter despite a quick start from the Bulldogs. Malaka Cobb knocked down two free throws to begin the period, and Mia Smith added a fast-break layup as BSU went up 22-14. SU answered with a run, connecting from deep multiple times to take a 34-31 halftime lead.

Cobb took over in the third, scoring 10 points with a pair of threes to keep BSU within striking distance. Shepherd managed to counter with timely buckets of its own, holding onto a 53-47 lead entering the fourth.

The Bulldogs came alive late, showing resilience on both ends. Chaniya Taylor started the fourth-quarter push with two free throws, and Owusu-Mensah's jumper pulled BSU within one. Cobb hit two clutch free throws with just over a minute remaining to put Bowie State up 66-63. SU answered with a late three to tie it, and neither side scored in the final seconds, sending the game to overtime.

Once the extra period began, it was all Bulldogs. BSU locked in defensively, forcing key turnovers while capitalizing in transition. Cobb knocked down a pair of threes and added a fast-break layup, while Sydney Anthony controlled the tempo with sharp passing and tough rebounds. Strong interior scoring from Taylor and Owusu-Mensah, combined with the Rams' turnover struggles, allowed the Bulldogs to outscore Shepherd 16-6 in the extra frame and pull away for the 82-72 victory.

Bowie State Top Performers
Malaka Cobb

• 27 points
• 4 three-pointers
• 7-of-8 FT
• 2 steals

Afia Owusu-Mensah

• 14 points
• 7 rebounds
• 4 assists
• 2 steals

Kristin Sterling

• 9 points
• 4 steals
• 3-of-4 FT

Up Next
The Bulldogs will get some rest before returning to action on Saturday, Nov. 22, when they travel to Pennsylvania to face Mansfield University. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. in Mansfield, Pa.

For the most up-to-date information on Bowie State Athletics and its 14 varsity sport teams, please visit bsubulldogs.com.