WILMINGTON, DE — The Bowie State women's basketball team opened divisional play earning a 65–55 road victory over Lincoln (PA) on Saturday afternoon inside Chase Fieldhouse.

The Bulldogs (10–6, 3–4 CIAA, 1-0 North) forced 12 steals and recorded six blocks , controlling the contest from start to finish against the Lady Lions (2–15, 0–7 CIAA, 0-1 North).

Bowie State set the tone early as Kristin Sterling opened the scoring with a layup off an assist from Mia Smith. Smith followed with a pair of three-pointers, including one at the 3:00 mark, as the Bulldogs built a 17–12 advantage. BSU capitalized on Lincoln (PA) turnovers, with Malaka Cobb and Sydney Anthony converting fast-break opportunities, and closed the opening quarter with a 22–15 lead after forcing five turnovers.

The Bulldogs continued to dictate play in the second quarter. Gabriella Clary completed a three-point play early in the period to extend the lead to 25–15. LUPA struggled to find offensive rhythm, and Mayah Garner capped the half with a layup and free throw in the final second to give Bowie State a 34–25 advantage at halftime.

Bowie State took control coming out of the break, outscoring the Lady Lions 21–8 in the third quarter. Afia Owusu-Mensah opened the scoring with a jumper in the paint, while Sterling added a layup and free throw to stretch the lead. Hannah Wilkerson knocked down back-to-back three-pointers late in the quarter as the Bulldogs' defense continued to fuel transition offense, pushing BSU ahead 55–33 entering the fourth.

Lincoln (PA) mounted a late push in the final period, scoring 12 points off Bowie State turnovers, but the Bulldogs responded with timely stops. Nyla Coleman added a late layup, and BSU closed out the contest at the free-throw line to secure the 65–55 victory.

Top Performers for Bowie State

Mia Smith
· 11 points
· Three 3-pointers
· Eight rebounds
· Five steals

Kristin Sterling
· 12 points
· Seven rebounds
· 4-for-5 free throws

Sydney Anthony
· Five points
· Four assists
· Three steals

Jada Bouknight
· Three blocks
· Three rebounds

Up Next
The Bulldogs continue CIAA play on Wednesday, Jan. 21, traveling to face Virginia State University with tip-off scheduled for 5:30 p.m. inside the VSU Multipurpose Center. 

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