PETERSBURG, VA — The Bowie State women's basketball team dropped a 74–55 CIAA road decision to Virginia State University on Wednesday evening inside the VSU Multipurpose Center.
The Bulldogs (10–7, 3–5 CIAA, 1-1 North) were forced into 26 turnovers, which the Trojans (12–4, 6–2 CIAA, 2-0 North) converted into 33 points. Bowie State also struggled from long range, connecting on 4-of-19 three-point attempts, while Virginia State shot 7-of-17 from beyond the arc.
Bowie State answered Virginia State's opening basket with a layup by Kristin Sterling off an assist from Mayah Garner to tie the score at 2–2. The teams traded baskets through the opening minutes before the Trojans used fast-break points to build momentum. Despite a late three-pointer by Hannah Wilkerson, BSU trailed 16–11 at the end of the first quarter.
The Bulldogs matched VSU point for point in the second quarter, with each team scoring 16. Wilkerson opened the period with two free throws, and Chaniya Taylor followed with a layup off a feed from Sydney Anthony to cut the deficit to four. Late fast-break baskets by Mia Smith and Jai'Den Anderson helped keep Bowie State within striking distance, but the Trojans carried a 32–27 lead into halftime.
Virginia State took control coming out of the break, outscoring BSU 22–11 in the third quarter. The Trojans opened the period with a layup and a three-pointer, while defensive pressure forced eight Bulldog turnovers in the quarter. Malaka Cobb and Gabrielle Clary provided offensive support for BSU, but Virginia State's efficient shooting and transition scoring pushed the margin to 54–38 entering the fourth.
Bowie State made a late push in the final period behind Sydney Anthony, who scored on a layup and later buried a three-pointer. Chaniya Taylor added a jumper and a layup, but Virginia State maintained its composure at the free-throw line and on the glass to close out the 74–55 victory.
Top Performers for Bowie State
Hannah Wilkerson
· 9 points
· 4-for-4 free throws
· Two steals
Sydney Anthony
· 7 points
· Six rebounds
· Two assists
Chaniya Taylor
· 7 points
· Four rebounds
· One block
Gabrielle Clary
· 6 points
· Four rebounds
· One steal
Up Next
The Bulldogs continue CIAA play on Saturday, Jan. 24, traveling to face Virginia Union University with tip-off scheduled for noon in Richmond, Va.
For the latest information on Bowie State Athletics and its 14 varsity sports, visit bsubulldogs.com.
