BOWIE, MD — The Bowie State women's basketball team (15-7, 8-5 CIAA, 6-1 North) earned a dominant 78-49 victory over Elizabeth City State inside A.C. Jordan Arena, forcing 33 turnovers and getting a strong 36-point contribution from the bench.

The Bulldogs set the tone early, jumping out to a quick lead after Malaka Cobb knocked down two free throws. Elizabeth City State briefly answered with back-to-back three-pointers, but Bowie State responded with a triple from Mia Smith to regain momentum. A late layup from Gabrielle Clary helped BSU close the first quarter with a narrow 13-12 advantage in a defensive-minded opening period that saw 14 combined turnovers.

Bowie State created separation in the second quarter, outscoring the Lady Vikings 20-9. The Bulldogs increased their defensive pressure and capitalized on nine ECSU turnovers in the frame. Clary connected from beyond the arc, Taylor Timms added a late layup, and Jada Bouknight finished the half with a tip-in at the buzzer to give BSU a 33-21 lead at the break.

The Bulldogs continued to control the tempo in the third quarter, outscoring Elizabeth City State 25-15. Sydney Anthony and Kristin Sterling sparked the offense early, while Cobb added another key layup to stretch the lead. Bowie State forced eight more turnovers in the period and protected the rim late, highlighted by two blocks in the final minute. Timms capped the quarter with a three-pointer to send the Bulldogs into the fourth with a commanding 58-36 lead.

BSU closed strong in the final quarter, holding the Vikings to 13 points while continuing to convert on the offensive end. Chaniya Taylor provided energy on both ends, and Smith added another three-pointer to extend the advantage. Nyla Coleman's layup in the final minutes sealed the 29-point conference win for Bowie State.

Following the game, BSU Media Team broadcaster Eric Scott spoke with head coach Shadae Swan about her thoughts on the performance.

"I felt good. I feel like we had too many unforced turnovers, but our defensive intensity has been way better and I'm very proud," said Swan.

Bowie State Top Performers
Taylor Timms

• 13 points
• 1 three-pointer
• 4-of-7 from the free throw line
• 3 steals

Mia Smith

• 13 points
• 2 three-pointers
• 5-of-6 from the free throw line
• 4 steals

Malaka Cobb

• 11 points
• 7-of-8 from the free throw line
• 4 assists
• 3 steals

Chaniya Taylor

• 8 points
• 7 rebounds
• 2 blocks
• 2 steals

Jada Bouknight

• 6 points
• 8 rebounds
• 1 block.

Up Next
The Bulldogs return to action Saturday, Feb. 14, hosting Virginia Union for Alumni Day/Pink Out with a 2 p.m. tip-off inside A.C. Jordan Arena.

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