RALEIGH, N.C. — The Bowie State women's basketball team snapped a four-game losing streak with a hard-fought 49–45 CIAA road victory over Shaw University on Monday night inside Spaulding Gym.
 
The Bulldogs (9–6, 2–4 CIAA) leaned on their defense, forcing 11 steals and turning SU's miscues into timely points to secure their first win since late December.
 
Bowie State set the tone early, opening the game on a 4–0 run behind a pair of layups from Mia Smith, including a fast-break finish. Malaka Cobb and Mayah Garner added buckets in the paint as the Bulldogs built a 10–5 advantage midway through the first quarter. Despite a late push from Shaw, BSU closed the period with back-to-back fast-break scores from Jada Bouknight to take a 12–9 lead, capitalizing on seven Lady Bears turnovers.
 
Building on their early lead, the Bulldogs extended their momentum in the second quarter. Sydney Anthony converted a steal into a layup at the 9:44 mark, and Bouknight followed with two free throws to push the lead to 16–9. Cobb continued to attack offensively, finishing a three-point play late in the quarter before drilling a buzzer-beating three to send BSU into halftime with a 23–14 advantage.
 
After halftime, Shaw chipped away in the third quarter, trimming the deficit to one, but Bowie State answered at the free-throw line. Afia Owusu-Mensah and Kristin Sterling knocked down key shots from the stripe, while Garner's layup in the final seconds helped the Bulldogs hold a slim 36–35 edge heading into the fourth.
 
Bowie State sealed the win with clutch execution down the stretch. Taylor Timms and Cobb opened the final quarter with baskets, and Garner extended the lead with a layup and free throw. Shaw made one final push, pulling within three late, but Gabrielle Clary calmly knocked down two free throws with 17 seconds remaining to secure the Bulldogs' 49–45 victory.
 
Top Performers for Bowie State
 
Malaka Cobb

• 12 points
• 3 steals
• 2 assists

Mayah Garner

• 11 points
• 3 steals
• 5-of-7 free throws

Jada Bouknight

• 7 rebounds
• 5 blocks
• 2-for-2 free throws

Up Next

The Bulldogs return to action on Saturday, Jan. 17, traveling to play the Lady Lions of Lincoln (PA) inside Chase Fieldhouse in Wilmington, Del. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m.

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