BOWIE, Md. – Bowie State University women's basketball has announced its 2026–27 schedule, featuring a competitive slate of nonconference and Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) matchups as the Bulldogs prepare for another season under head coach Shadae Swan in her 12th season at the helm.
The Bulldogs enter the season looking to build on their 2025–26 campaign, which saw Bowie State capture the CIAA Northern Division championship and advance to the conference tournament semifinals. Bowie State was selected third in the 2026–27 CIAA Women's Basketball Preseason Predicted Order of Finish, while senior guard Malaka Cobb earned Preseason All-CIAA recognition.
BSU will open the campaign at home during the Bowie State Tip-Off Classic, hosting Shepherd University on Friday, Nov. 13, followed by East Stroudsburg University on Saturday, Nov. 14, inside A.C. Jordan Arena on the Kevin Durant Court.
Bulldogs Return Experienced Backcourt Leadership
Bowie State returns several important contributors from last season, including Cobb and junior guard Sydney Anthony, who will provide valuable experience and leadership in the backcourt.
Cobb was one of the Bulldogs' leading offensive performers in 2025–26, averaging 10.3 points per game while totaling 299 points, 70 assists, and 61 steals. Her defensive presence and ability to create opportunities for teammates will be important as Bowie State looks to remain among the CIAA's top contenders.
Anthony also played a significant role, finishing the season with 149 points, 113 rebounds, 56 assists, and 53 steals. Her versatility, defensive pressure, and playmaking ability provide another experienced option for the Bulldogs as they prepare for a challenging schedule.
Nonconference Schedule Features Early Tests
Bowie State's nonconference slate includes matchups against Shepherd, East Stroudsburg and Millersville. The Bulldogs return to A.C. Jordan Arena on Nov. 24 to host the Marauders providing another opportunity to prepare for the conference schedule.
CIAA Play Begins in November
Bowie State opens CIAA competition on the road against Claflin University on Nov. 19 before facing Johnson C. Smith University on Nov. 21. The Bulldogs return home in December to host Livingstone College on Dec. 3 and Fayetteville State University on Dec. 5. Bowie State will then travel to Winston-Salem State University (Dec. 10) and Bluefield State University (Dec. 12) before closing out December with home conference matchups against Virginia State University (Dec. 15) and Virginia Union University (Dec. 20).
The conference schedule continues in January with home contests against Shaw (Jan. 7), Elizabeth City State (Jan. 9), Claflin (Jan. 14), and Johnson C. Smith (Jan. 16). Bowie State will also travel to Lincoln (PA) University (Jan. 20), Livingstone (Jan. 23), and Fayetteville State (Jan. 28) as the CIAA race continues.
February features another important stretch of conference action, including home games against Winston-Salem State (Dec 10.) and Bluefield State (Dec 12.), followed by road contests against Virginia State (Dec 15.), Virginia Union (Dec 20.), Shaw (Jan 7.), and Elizabeth City State (Jan 9.). The Bulldogs will conclude the regular season at home against Lincoln University (Pa.) on Feb. 19.
Bulldogs Set Sights on CIAA Tournament
The 2026–27 season will culminate with the CIAA Women's Basketball Tournament, scheduled for Feb. 23–27 at CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore, Md.
With experienced leadership returning and a challenging schedule ahead, Bowie State will look to build on last season's division championship and continue competing for conference honors. The Bulldogs' combination of veteran experience and developing talent will be important as they pursue another postseason opportunity.
Stay tuned for ticket information, game times, and broadcast details.
For the most up-to-date information on Bowie State Athletics and its 14 varsity sport teams, visit BSUBulldogs.com and follow the Bulldogs on social media.
