FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — The Bowie State women's basketball team (8-6, 1-4 CIAA) fell 65–53 to Fayetteville State University on Saturday afternoon in a CIAA road matchup inside Capel Arena.

The Bulldogs forced 10 turnovers and scored 22 points off the bench, but a 15-point deficit at the free-throw line along with Fayetteville State's edge in rebounding and transition offense proved to be the difference.

Bowie State opened the game with energy as Malaka Cobb scored on a jumper just 21 seconds in. The opening quarter featured seven lead changes, with both teams trading baskets throughout. Afia Owusu-Mensah knocked down a 3-pointer midway through the period, but the Broncos answered to keep the score knotted at 15 heading into the second quarter.

BSU briefly gained momentum early in the second period behind a jumper from Taylor Timms and a 3-pointer from Owusu-Mensah to take a 22–17 lead. Fayetteville State responded with an 11–0 run fueled by fast-break points and free throws to regain control. A late layup by Jada Bouknight trimmed the deficit, sending the Bulldogs into halftime trailing 28–24.

The Broncos extended their lead in the third quarter by capitalizing on points in the paint and in transition. Cobb continued to pace Bowie State offensively, including a 3-pointer late in the period, but Fayetteville State carried a 49–40 advantage into the final frame.

Bowie State battled in the fourth quarter, sparked by two 3-pointers from Hannah Wilkerson, but Fayetteville State maintained its cushion with steady free-throw shooting down the stretch. Cobb added a late triple for the Bulldogs, but the Broncos closed out the contest to secure the win.

Bowie State Top Performers

Malaka Cobb
• 27 points
• 11 field goals made
• 4 three-pointers

Kristin Sterling
• 7 rebounds
• 2 assists
• 2 offensive rebounds

Sydney Anthony
• 3 steals
• 5 rebounds

Mia Smith
• 2 blocks
• 4 rebounds

Up Next

The Bulldogs continue CIAA play on Monday, Jan. 12, when they travel to face Shaw University. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. in Raleigh, N.C.

For the latest information on Bowie State Athletics and its 14 varsity sports, visit bsubulldogs.com.