BOWIE, MD -- Destiny Ryles and Mia Smith combined to score 36 total points in the Bulldogs 60-48 victory over the Bluefield State (9-12, 2-8 CIAA, 2-3 North) at home Saturday in A.C. Jordan Arena.

The Bulldogs (15-8, 9-2 CIAA, 4-1 North) had two players score in double figures, led by Ryles, who had 21 points and three steals. Smith added a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds and Beulah Odiong added five points and 12 rebounds.

Led by Odiong's five offensive rebounds, Bowie State did a great job crashing the offensive glass, pulling down 12 boards that resulted in 16 second chance points.

BSU's defense held B-State to only 25.8 percent shooting from the field, including 11.8 percent from beyond the arc.

How It Happened
After falling behind 5-4, Bowie State went on an 11-0 run with 6:59 left in the first quarter, culminating in a three from Ryles, to take a 15-5 lead. The Bulldogs then added three points to that lead by the end of the period and entered the quarter break with a 19-6 advantage. The Bulldogs did most of it's first quarter damage in the paint, scoring 12 of its 19 points close to the basket.

Bowie State kept its first quarter lead intact before going on a 5-0 run starting at the 1:50 mark in the second period, highlighted by a bucket from Ryles, to increase its lead to 29-17. The Bulldogs proceeded to tack on one point to that lead and enjoyed a 31-18 advantage heading into halftime. Bowie State saw non-starters score three of its 12 total points off the bench in the quarter.

BSU continued to preserve its halftime lead before going on an 8-0 run to expand its lead further to 44-23 with 5:32 to go in the third. Before the conclusion of the third period, the Big Blue had cut into that lead somewhat, but the Bulldogs still entered the fourth quarter with a 51-35 edge. Bowie State took advantage of five Bluefield State turnovers in the quarter, scoring eight points off of takeaways.

The Bulldogs then held on for the victory in the fourth quarter. BSU got a boost from its bench in the period, with non-starters scoring five of its nine total points.

Game Notes
» Smith notched a double-double for the Bulldogs with 15 points and 10 rebounds.
» The Bulldogs held the Big Blue to only 25.8 percent shooting from the field.
» The Bulldogs never trailed after taking a 19-6 first quarter lead.
» BSU had a great day defensively, holding Bluefield State to 12 percent from three point land on 17 attempts.
» BSU's defense forced 22 turnovers.
» Ryles led the Bulldogs with a game-high 21 points.

Up Next 

Bowie State will get back on the road to take on CIAA opponent Elizabeth City State on Saturday, Feb. 8, at 2 p.m. inside the R.L. Vaughan Center in Elizabeth City, N.C. The Bulldogs have a record of 21-13 against Lady Vikings, winning their last meeting, 62-52 on Jan. 25 in A.C. Jordan Arena.

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