BOWIE, MD — The Bowie State women's basketball team relied on relentless defensive pressure and transition scoring to earn a 71–60 Northern Division home victory over Bluefield State on Monday evening inside A.C. Jordan Arena.
The Bulldogs (12-7, 5-5 CIAA, 3-1 North) forced 23 turnovers and converted them into 21 points, while controlling the paint with 40 points and holding a 42-33 rebounding advantage. Bowie State also added 22 fast-break points to maintain control throughout the contest.
Following the win, head coach Shadae Swan reflected on the moment after becoming the program's all-time winningest coach.
"It feels really good," Swan said via Bowie State Media Play-by-Play analyst Joey Constant. "Being able to celebrate the win after celebrating that accomplishment means a lot. Our focus has been on defensive pressure, creating turnovers, and turning those into points, and I thought our team did a great job executing that tonight."
BSU set the tone early, forcing 10 first-quarter turnovers and jumping out to a 28–11 lead. Mia Smith sparked the opening run with back-to-back layups, while the Bulldogs capitalized on transition opportunities as Bluefield State struggled to find rhythm offensively.
The Bulldogs continued their momentum in the second quarter. Sydney Anthony opened the period with a layup, and Bowie State consistently attacked the paint despite the Big Blue efforts on the offensive glass. Smith converted an and-one late in the quarter, and Kristin Sterling closed the half at the free-throw line as the Bulldogs carried a 50–34 advantage into the break.
BLU trimmed the margin in the third quarter, but BSU's defense held firm. Mayah Garner finished a layup off a Smith assist, and the Bulldogs generated multiple stops highlighted by steals from Malaka Cobb and Afia Owusu-Mensah to preserve the double-digit lead.
The Big Blue made a final push in the fourth quarter, outscoring Bowie State 16–12, but the Bulldogs answered with timely execution. Chaniya Taylor converted a key layup late, and Garner added a tip-in to help Bowie State close out the 71–60 victory.
Top Performers for Bowie State
Mia Smith
· 17 points
· 8 rebounds
Sydney Anthony
· 12 points
· 4 assists
· 4 rebounds
Chaniya Taylor
· 8 points
· 9 rebounds
· 1 block
Kristin Sterling
· 6 points
· 7 rebounds
· 6-for-6 free throws
Up Next
The Bulldogs begin a two-game road stint on Thursday, Feb. 5, traveling to battle Elizabeth City State University at 5:30 p.m. inside R.L. Vaughan Center in Elizabeth City, N.C.
For the latest information on Bowie State Athletics and its 14 varsity sports, visit bsubulldogs.com.
