BOWIE, MD — The Bowie State women's basketball team (8-4, 1-2 CIAA) suffered a 54–50 setback to Johnson C. Smith University (5-5, 2-1 CIAA) on Saturday inside A.C. Jordan Arena, surrendering a late lead after being outscored 21–12 in the fourth quarter.

The Bulldogs were active defensively, finishing with 11 steals and seven blocked shots, but 22 turnovers proved costly in the narrow loss.

The opening quarter was tightly contested, with neither team able to gain separation. Afia Owusu-Mensah opened the scoring for BSU, while the Golden Bulls answered with baskets from Salote Franklin and La'Niya Simes. Jada Bouknight's late layup closed the period with the teams knotted at 8–8.

Bowie State found momentum in the second quarter, opening on a 5–0 run behind Chaniya Taylor and Sydney Anthony. Owusu-Mensah added a timely 3-pointer, and Malaka Cobb capped the half with a fast-break layup to give the Bulldogs a 23–18 advantage at the break.

The Bulldogs maintained control in the third quarter, matching JCSU's point for point and carrying a 38–33 lead into the final frame. Anthony and Taylor paced the offense, while Bouknight added a free throw late to preserve the five-point cushion.

Johnson C. Smith turned the tide in the fourth quarter, using timely baskets and free throws to pull ahead. La'Niya Simes' layup with 1:30 remaining gave the Golden Bulls the lead for good. Bowie State made a final push, but free throws by Nyasia James and Rylee Ghent sealed the outcome as JCSU secured the five-point victory.

Bowie State Top Performers

Chaniya Taylor

• 13 points
• 5 rebounds
• 5-for-7 from the free-throw line

Sydney Anthony

• 10 points
• 2 steals

Jada Bouknight

• 7 points
• 6 rebounds
• 4 blocks

Up Next
The Bulldogs begin a three-game road stretch on Thursday, Jan. 8, traveling south to face Claflin University at 5:30 p.m. inside Tullis Arena in Orangeburg, S.C.

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