ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. — The Bowie State men's basketball team dropped a 72–62 CIAA decision to Elizabeth City State on Thursday night inside the R.L. Vaughan Center.
The Bulldogs (5–17, 3–8 CIAA, 0-5 North) received 32 points from their bench but were unable to overcome a significant free-throw disparity, as the Vikings converted 29 free throws in the contest.
Bowie State jumped out to an early lead when Amir Shaheed knocked down a 3-pointer just 57 seconds into the game. ECSU answered later in the period, tying the game at 8–8 on a Trevor Smith 3-pointer with 16:40 remaining. Jamel Melvin provided a spark for the Bulldogs with a layup and a free throw, but the Vikings countered to keep the game close.
The opening half featured several lead changes before Elizabeth City State closed strong. A tip-in by Charles Thomas, III with four seconds remaining pulled Bowie State within four, sending the Bulldogs into halftime trailing 32–28.
BSU opened the second half with momentum as Thomas, III threw down a dunk to tie the game at 30. However, ECSU responded with a run fueled by trips to the free-throw line. Jaquantae Harris extended the Vikings' lead to 49–36 with a layup at the 11:18 mark.
The Bulldogs stayed within striking distance behind timely 3-pointers from Guy Fauntleroy and Jordan Downs, but Elizabeth City State sealed the game down the stretch with consistent free-throw shooting, securing the 72–62 victory.
Bowie State Top Performers
Charles Thomas, III
- 13 points
- 3 blocks
- 3 steals
Jaiden McGhee
Guy Fauntleroy
- 11 points
- 5 assists
- 2 steals
Up Next
The Bulldogs head to West Virginia to take on the Big Blue of Bluefield State University on Saturday, Feb. 7, inside Ned Shott Gymnasium in Bluefield, W.Va. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m.
For the latest information on Bowie State Athletics and its 14 varsity sports, visit bsubulldogs.com.
