The Lady Lions defeated the Bulldogs of Bowie State University today in a tough CIAA battle. The game started with a flurry by Lions as they went on a 12-1 run in the first few moments of the game. The Lions were relentless on defense, which lead to some easy inside the paint buckets by forward junior De'jah Taylor (Nanuet, NY/Paramus Catholic Regional). This would not last as the Bulldogs fought back and tied the game in the second quarter thanks to a few adjustments in their offense. They began to attack and force the action inside. The result was either a foul or contested jump shot the Lions made them earn. In spite of the Bulldogs comeback the Lions ended the half with a 10 point lead at 33-23.

The third quarter saw the Lions lose intensity. There were a number of turnovers by each team as they tried to adjust to the changes each coach made during the half-time break. The quarter ended with the Lions holding on to an eight point lead with the score 42-34.

The fourth quarter began and it was obvious the Bulldogs thought attacking the paint off the dribble was the key to success and for a moment it looked as though they were right. The Lions committed a number of fouls that allowed the Bulldogs to climb back in and eventually take the lead with 7 minutes left in the game. The Bulldog crowd then kicked into gear and the momentum seemed to swing their way. Coach Mosley called a time out and made a few adjustments in the lineup and the Lions came out faster and prepared for the Bulldog attack.

The game teetered in each direction depending on which student athlete could make a play. Key baskets by sophomore Teira Pendleton (Baltimore, MD/Baltimore Poly Institute) who scored in double figures with 11 points and Dejah Taylor who kicked in 10 points along with 9 rebounds kept the game tight down the stretch. Bowie's Kiara Colston who led all scorers with 18 started to heat up and made some tough fade away baskets. She kept the game close and gave the Bulldog faithful hope they could pull out the victory and split the season series. This might have been the outcome if not for a three point basket hit by senior Courtney Smith (Milwaukee, WI/Nicolet HS) with 58 seconds on the clock. She led the Lions attack with a total of 16 points. Her basket put the Lions on top for good and forced the Bulldogs to play stop the clock. The Lions were up to the tactic and made some crucial free throws to seal the deal and the final score 57-53. The Lions play next at Manuel Rivero Hall against Elizabeth City State. Tipoff is at 5:30 pm.