BOWIE, Md. – The Bowie State University women's basketball team will open its 2026–27 campaign at home this weekend, Friday, Nov. 13 through Saturday, Nov. 14, as the Bulldogs host the Bowie State Tip-Off Classic inside A.C. Jordan Arena, home of the Kevin Durant Court.
The Bulldogs will begin the season Friday evening against Shepherd University, with tipoff scheduled for 6 p.m. Bowie State will return to the court Saturday afternoon to face East Stroudsburg University at 2 p.m. The two-game opening weekend will provide the Bulldogs with an early opportunity to establish momentum before beginning Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) competition against Claflin, in an away contest, November 19th.
Bowie State Tip-Off Classic Schedule
All games will be played inside A.C. Jordan Arena, home of the Kevin Durant Court.
Friday, Nov. 13
· 4 p.m. – East Stroudsburg vs. Lincoln (PA)
· 6 p.m. – Shepherd vs. Bowie State
Saturday, Nov. 14
· 12 p.m. – Lincoln (PA) vs. Shepherd
· 2 p.m. – East Stroudsburg vs. Bowie State
Clear Bag Policy
Fans attending the Tip-Off Classic must follow Bowie State University's clear bag policy. Permitted bags include clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags no larger than 12" x 6" x 12", one-gallon clear plastic freezer bags, and small clutch bags measuring no larger than 4.5" x 6.5". Backpacks, purses and other non-clear bags are prohibited.
When: Friday, Nov. 13 through Saturday, Nov. 14
Where: A.C. Jordan Arena – Bowie, Md.
Watch: Click Here
Live Stats: Click Here
Follow on X: @BSU_Sports_Info
Follow on Instagram: @BowieStateBulldogs
Women's Basketball Preview The Bowie State women's basketball team enters the 2026–27 season looking to build on a successful 2025–26 campaign that saw the Bulldogs capture the CIAA Northern Division championship and advance to the semifinals of the conference tournament. Head coach Shadae Swan returns for her 12th season at the helm, continuing to lead a program that will look to remain among the CIAA's top contenders.
Bowie State was selected third in the 2026–27 CIAA Women's Basketball Preseason Predicted Order of Finish, reflecting the expectations surrounding the Bulldogs as they prepare for another competitive season.
Leading the returners is senior guard Malaka Cobb, who earned Preseason All-CIAA recognition following an impactful 2025–26 season. Cobb averaged 10.3 points per game while recording 299 total points, 70 assists and 61 steals. Her scoring ability, defensive pressure and experience in the backcourt will be important as Bowie State looks to continue its success.
Also returning is junior guard Sydney Anthony, who finished last season with 149 points, 113 rebounds, 56 assists and 53 steals. Anthony's versatility on both ends of the floor gives the Bulldogs another experienced contributor as they prepare for the upcoming campaign.
With returning leadership and additional opportunities for the roster to develop, Bowie State will look to establish its identity early and carry last season's success into the new year.
About East Stroudsburg
East Stroudsburg University women's basketball finished the 2025-26 season with a 17-12 overall record and a 12-9 mark in PSAC play, earning the No. 3 seed in the PSAC East Division and its fourth consecutive appearance in the conference tournament. The Warriors' season came to an end in the first round of the PSAC Tournament with a narrow 64-61 loss to Millersville. Offensively, ESU averaged 65.6 points per game, led by first-team All-PSAC East selection Brie Droege, who averaged 15.8 points and 5.3 rebounds per contest. Brooke Droege also returns after earning second-team All-PSAC East recognition.
In the 2026-27 PSAC preseason poll, East Stroudsburg was selected first in the PSAC East Division, receiving three first-place votes and tying Kutztown in that category. Head coach Liz Flooks enters her third season leading the Warriors, who return key contributors Brie Droege, Brooke Droege and Lacie Kringe. As for the all-time series against Bowie State, ESU holds a 2-1 advantage in the three meetings between the programs. The Warriors won the most recent matchup, 57-48, at the 2025 Bowie State Tip-Off Classic.
About Shepherd
Shepherd University women's basketball finished the 2025-26 season with an 11-16 overall record and a 9-12 mark in PSAC play, finishing fifth in the PSAC East Division before falling to Bloomsburg, 70-53, in the opening round of the conference tournament. Despite the overall record, the Rams finished the season strong, winning eight of their final 12 games. Shepherd was particularly effective defensively, ranking second in the PSAC in turnover margin (+3.77) and third in steals per game (10.9). Senior guard Kara Wehner was a standout performer, earning First Team All-PSAC East honors after averaging 15.0 points and 3.9 rebounds per game.
In the 2026-27 PSAC preseason poll, Shepherd was selected sixth in the Eastern Division. Head coach Julie Kaufman, who earned PSAC East Coach of the Year honors following the 2025-26 campaign, returns several important contributors, including Wehner, Jenna Liska, Trinity Turner and Cassidy Rhodes. In the all-time series against Bowie State, the Bulldogs hold a 5-2 advantage, including four consecutive victories. Bowie State claimed the most recent meeting, an 82-72 overtime victory on Nov. 16, 2025, behind Malaka Cobb's game-high 27 point performance.
Looking Ahead
Following the Bowie State Tip-Off Classic, the Bulldogs will travel to Orangeburg, S.C., on Thursday, Nov. 19, to face Claflin University at 12 p.m. in their CIAA opener. Bowie State will then continue its road stretch against Johnson C. Smith University on Saturday, Nov. 21. At 2 p.m.
The Bulldogs will return home Tuesday, Nov. 24, to host Millersville University at 11 am inside A.C. Jordan Arena for Education Day.
For the most up-to-date information on Bowie State Athletics and its 14 varsity sport teams, please visit BSUBulldogs.com and follow the Bulldogs on social media.
