BOWIE, MD — The Bowie State men's and women's basketball teams are set to travel to Petersburg, Va., to play Virginia State University in a Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) divisional match-up on Saturday, Jan. 17, inside the VSU Multipurpose Center.

The women's game is scheduled for a 5:30 p.m. tip-off, followed by the men's contest at 7:30 p.m. The doubleheader will air live on CIAA Sports Network.

When: Wednesday, Jan. 21 | 5:30 p.m. (WBB), 7:30 p.m. (MBB)
Where: VSU Multipurpose Center (Petersburg, Va.)
Watch: Click Here
Live Stats: Women's | Men's
Socials: @BSU_Sports_Info | @BowieStateBulldogs

Women's Basketball Game Series

• Bowie State's all-time record versus the Trojans shows 17–19 since 2009.
• Following the most recent matchup on February 28, 2025, Virginia State holds the current edge, as Bowie State fell 63–59 in the CIAA Tournament semifinal.
• BSU's longest win streak against VSU is five games (Feb. 2019–Feb. 2022).
• The Bulldogs are 9–7 at home and 5–10 on the road all-time against VSU.

Scouting the Bulldogs Women
Bowie State enters the matchup with a 10–6 overall record and a 3–4 mark in CIAA play, positioning itself in the middle of the Northern Division standings while showing strength away from home with a 7–2 road record.

The Bulldogs average 64.9 points per game while allowing just 55.6 points per contest, ranking among the CIAA's top defensive teams. Bowie State shoots 37.2 percent from the field and 26.7 percent from the three-point range. BSU is among the league leaders in steals (10.5 per game) and blocks (6.1 per game), while also holding opponents to 32.7 percent shooting from the floor.

Key Players & Rankings

• Malaka Cobb leads the Bulldogs offensively at 10.4 points per game and 11.3 points per game in conference play, shooting 43.5 percent from the field.
• Mia Smith provides steady backcourt play, averaging 8.9 points and 3.6 rebounds per game while contributing defensively with 22 steals on the season.
• Kristin Sterling anchors the frontcourt, leading the team with 5.5 rebounds per game and ranking among the CIAA leaders in interior defense with 14 blocks.
• Jada Bouknight is a defensive presence in the paint, ranking fourth in the CIAA in blocked shots at 2.5 per game in conference play, giving Bowie State a reliable rim protector.

In their most recent outing, Bowie State earned a 65–55 road win at Lincoln (Pa.), pulling away late.

Scouting the Virginia State Trojans (Women)

Virginia State enters the matchup near the top of the CIAA Northern Division with an 11–4 overall record and a 5–2 mark in conference play.

The Trojans average 62.3 points per game while allowing 59.0 points per contest, shooting 35.8 percent from the field, 24.6 percent from three-point range, and 65.8 percent at the free-throw line.

Michaela Lane anchors the frontcourt, ranking eighth in the CIAA in rebounding at 7.5 per game and fourth in the conference in blocked shots, giving VSU a strong interior presence. Maya Ellis provides perimeter scoring and ranks 10th in the league in three-pointers made per game, while Sydney Roberts is a consistent backcourt threat and ranks fifth in the CIAA in free throws made, leading the Lady Trojans to the line.

Men's Basketball Game Series

• Bowie State's all-time record versus the Trojans shows 15–19 since 2009.
• In the most recent meeting on February 26, 2025, Virginia State held the advantage with a 78–72 win over Bowie State in the CIAA Tournament quarterfinal.
• BSU's longest win streak against VSU was seven games (Jan. 2009 – Jan. 2012).
• The Bulldogs are 5–11 at home and 10–6 on the road all-time against Virginia State.

Scouting the Bulldogs Men
Bowie State enters the matchup with a 5–14 overall record and a 3–4 mark in CIAA play, currently sitting in the middle of the Northern Division standings.

The Bulldogs average 69.8 points per game while allowing 78.4 points per contest, shooting 41.4 percent from the field and 32.2 percent from three-point range.

In conference play, BSU is slightly more efficient offensively at 70.3 points per game and 42.5 percent shooting, while still allowing 78.4 points per game. Bowie State averages 32.5 rebounds per game and is active defensively with 3.6 blocks and 8.0 steals per contest as a team.

Key Players & Rankings

• Jaiden McGhee is the Bulldogs' leading scorer and primary offensive option, averaging 15.1 points per game overall and 13.9 points per game in CIAA action.
• KJ West is a steady playmaker and clutch performer, averaging 13.1 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game.
• Guy Fauntleroy provides perimeter scoring and ball movement, averaging 11.2 points per game and shooting 36.8 percent from three-point range overall, while improving to 50.0 percent from beyond the arc in conference play.
• Joseph Allen has emerged as a strong interior presence in league play, leading the team in conference scoring at 14.6 points per game while shooting 56.8 percent from the field.
• Defensively, West and Fauntleroy are among the team leaders in steals, helping Bowie State force 15.2 turnovers per game.

Scouting the Virginia State Trojans (Men)
The Virginia State Trojans and the reigning CIAA champions, enter the matchup behind a physical, defense-first identity and balanced scoring attack. VSU is averaging 72.7 points per game while holding opponents to 71.1, with a +1.6 scoring margin on the season.

Davian Coleman anchors the interior and is one of the most impactful frontcourt players in the conference. The junior ranks sixth in the CIAA in rebounding (6.8 rpg) and fifth in blocked shots (32 total, 1.7 bpg). Coleman is shooting an efficient 66.3 percent from the field, averaging 7.2 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, while adding 32 blocks in 19 games.

In the backcourt, Jacob Cooper serves as the engine of the Trojans' offense. Cooper ranks first in the CIAA in assists (72 total, 3.8 apg), seventh in free throws made (58), and sixth in steals (24). He leads VSU in scoring at 14.1 points per game, while shooting 43.2 percent from the field and 76.3 percent from the free-throw line. As a team, Virginia State averages 38.3 rebounds per game, 13.4 assists, 8.9 steals, and 4.9 blocks, ranking among the CIAA's top defensive units. 

Up Next
The Bulldogs continue their divisional road stretch when they travel over to Richmond, Va., to take on Virginia Union University on Saturday, Jan. 24, inside the Barco-Stevens Hall. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. for the women's game and 4 p.m. for the men's contest. 

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