ORANGEBURG, S.C. — The Bowie State women's basketball team (8–5, 1–3 CIAA) came up just short in a CIAA road contest, falling 62–59 to Claflin University (8–3, 4–0 CIAA) on Thursday night inside Tullis Arena.

The Bulldogs forced turnovers and converted 18 points off Claflin miscues, but a 37–29 rebounding disadvantage and a decisive second quarter proved costly. Bowie State was outscored 23–8 in the period, erasing an early lead.

After CU opened the game with a pair of early 3-pointers, Bowie State responded with a 12–2 run. Layups from Mia Smith and Kristin Sterling sparked the surge before Smith knocked down two free throws to put BSU in front. Afia Owusu-Mensah capped the quarter with a 3-pointer in the closing seconds, giving the Bulldogs a 15–12 advantage after one.

Momentum shifted in the second quarter as Claflin found its rhythm offensively. Bowie State managed just eight points in the frame, while the Lady Panthers used a late scoring run to build a 35–23 lead at halftime.

The Bulldogs regrouped in the third quarter, matching CU point-for-point in a 17–17 period. Taylor Timms knocked down a 3-pointer midway through the quarter, but Claflin maintained its cushion and carried a 52–40 advantage into the final period.

BSU mounted a late rally in the fourth quarter, outscoring Claflin 19–10 behind strong play from Timms and Jada Bouknight. Bouknight converted multiple three-point plays to pull the Bulldogs within five, but Claflin answered with timely baskets down the stretch to secure the three-point victory.

Bowie State Top Performers

Jada Bouknight

• 14 points

• 5-of-6 shooting

• 4 rebounds

• 1 block

Taylor Timms

• 10 points

• 3-of-5 shooting

• 3-of-4 from the free-throw line

Kristin Sterling

• 7 points

• 4 rebounds

• 2 blocks

• 2 steals

Up Next
The Bulldogs continue CIAA road play on Saturday, Jan. 10, when they travel to face Fayetteville State University. Tipoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. live on HBCU Go inside Capel Arena.

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