Women’s Basketball Travels South for Conference Opener at Johnson C. Smith Monday – Bowie State University Athletics

BOWIE, MD – The Bowie State women’s basketball team will travel to Charlotte, NC to face Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) foe the Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls for its conference opener, Monday, Dec. 2nd, at 11:00 a.m. on the road inside the Brayboy Gymnasium.

 

When:Monday, December 2nd at 11:00 a.m. 

Where:Charlotte, NC (Brayboy Gymnasium) 

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The Series  

Last Whistle 

The Bulldogs (4-2) won its last outing against Shepherd University, 74-58 at home this past Wednesday. Destiny Ryles led the way for the Bulldogs finishing with 18 points, five steals, and three assist. Mayah Garner contributed a career high 15 points and two blocks, while Beulah Odiong helped out with 10 points, eight rebounds, and two steals. Additionally, Ayasha Thomas tallied in 10 points, four rebounds, and two assist off the bench.

Bowie State outscored the Rams in fast break points 18-6, capitalizing on their opponents mistakes.BSU dominated in the paint, scoring 34 points compared to Shepherd’s 20. The Bulldogs held the Rams to 32.8 percent from the field and forced 21 turnovers. BSU put on a defensive showcase recording eight blocks compared to the Rams’ none. To add on, the Bulldogs grabbed 12 offensive rebounds, converting them into 14 second-chance points in the win this past Wednesday.

The Bulldogs are currently on a three-game winning streak and look to extend it by defeating CIAA opponent Johnson C. Smith on Monday, respectively.

Bulldogs Defensive Presence

Through six games the Bulldogs have been aggressive working as a unit averaging 40.8 rebounds per game, 10.0 steals per game, and 4.5 blocks per game. Defensive anchor Odiong leads the team in rebounds averaging 7.5 rebounds per game. Steal machine Ryles commands with 3.0 steals per game, picking up a season-high five steals against Shepherd. Shot blocker Mia Smith, averages 1.5 blocks per game as BSU averages 17.7 points per game from points off of turnovers. Bowie State ranks sixth in the league in defense, with a defensive rating of 60.7 percent.

 

About Johnson C. Smith 

JCSU enters Monday’s match 3-3, following loss against Gardner-Webb, 88-67 at home Nov. 23rd. Rylee Ghent lead the Golden Bulls with a season-high 23 points and eight rebounds off the bench, while Desiree Smith recorded a double-double, season-high 15 points and a season-high 12 rebounds. Additionally, Betsey Burnett recorded 14 points and five rebounds in the loss.

This is head coach Monterika Warren second season with Johnson C. Smith,  as the Golden Bulls went 14-13 overall and 10-8 in the conference a season ago. The 2024-2025 roster has five returners and nine newcomers. The Golden Bulls were selected to finish fifth in the CIAA Preseason Poll.

Johnson C. Smith averaging 65.5 points, 38.8 rebounds, 8.8 assists, and 9.8 steals through six games this season. Burnett leads the team, averaging 19.3 points, and 2.7 steals per game, while Tameia Shaw is the team’s leading passer averaging 2.8 assist per game. Defensively, Smith leads the team in rebounds averaging 8.8 per game, while Starasia Bell-Freeman averages 0.5 blocks per game, respectively. Mondays match up is the Golden Bulls Education Day.

Looking Ahead 

The Bulldogs will host University of the District of Columbia in a non-conference showdown Wednesday, Dec.4th. at 5:00 p.m. inside the A.C. Jordan Arena.

For the most up-to-date information on Bowie State Athletics and its 13 varsity sports teams, visit bsubulldogs.com.