RICHMOND, VA — The Bowie State women's basketball team used a dominant fourth-quarter performance to earn a 61–48 CIAA road victory over Virginia Union University on Saturday afternoon inside Barco-Stevens Hall.
The Bulldogs (11–7, 4-5 CIAA, 2-1 North) forced 27 Lady Panther turnovers and turned them into 20 points, pulling away late after a tightly contested first three quarters. Bowie State outscored Virginia Union 25–15 in the final period to secure the win.
Virginia Union opened the game with early momentum, capitalizing on turnovers to build a small advantage. Bowie State responded midway through the first quarter with baskets from Kristin Sterling and Gabrielle Clary, trimming the deficit late. Despite the push, BSU trailed 10–7 at the end of the opening period as both teams struggled from beyond the arc.
The Bulldogs found rhythm in the second quarter, briefly taking the lead behind scores from Chaniya Taylor and Sydney Anthony. VUU answered with timely jumpers to regain control, and the Lady Panthers carried a 22–18 lead into halftime following a late basket.
Bowie State surged coming out of the break, fueled by Afia Owusu-Mensah. Her three-pointer midway through the third quarter tied the game and sparked an 18–11 period in favor of the Bulldogs. Mayah Garner's efficiency at the free-throw line and Owusu-Mensah's steady scoring helped BSU take a 36–33 advantage heading into the fourth quarter.
The Bulldogs delivered their strongest stretch in the final period. After VUU briefly tied the game early, Bowie State answered with poise and execution. Owusu-Mensah knocked down a key three-pointer, while Garner controlled the closing minutes with jumpers and free throws to extend the lead into double digits. Sydney Anthony sealed the outcome at the line as Bowie State closed out the 61–48 victory.
Top Performers for Bowie State
Mayah Garner
· 17 points
· 10 rebounds
· 9-for-10 free throws
Afia Owusu-Mensah
· 14 points
· Two three-pointers
· Two steals
Sydney Anthony
· 6 points
· Five steals
· Three assists
Up Next
The Bulldogs return home to A.C. Jordan Arena to host Bluefield State University on Wednesday, Jan. 28, for Coaches vs. Cancer Night. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
For the latest information on Bowie State Athletics and its 14 varsity sports, visit bsubulldogs.com.
