Virginia State Edges Out Bowie State in Intense Women's Basketball Clash


Baltimore, MD – At noon, the Women's basketball team faced off against the Bulldogs from Bowie State University on February 28, 2025. The two teams met again for an exciting matchup.

Virginia State jumped to an early advantage, showcasing their offensive prowess with a powerful 3-pointer from Skylar White, followed by a swift layup from Anii Harris. Both teams demonstrated impressive defensive skills, leading to numerous steals and rebounds, which set the stage for an intense, high-pressure game. Destiny Ryles from Bowie State notably excelled with several crucial steals, helping to keep her team competitive.

As the game progressed, Ryles executed critical free throws, ensuring Bowie State remained within striking distance. Mihjae Hayes and Amesha Miller from Virginia State responded with key baskets, solidifying their team's momentum. The contest remained closely contested, with both teams exchanging points; however, Virginia State managed to maintain their lead.

In a pivotal moment, Skylar White from VSU nailed a significant 3-pointer, pushing the score to 23-18. Miller followed with a layup, extending the lead to 25-18. Anii Harris continued to shine, sinking a jumper that propelled VSU ahead to 31-20. However, Bowie State's Sterling responded with a layup, reducing the deficit to 31-22. Thomas from BSU added another layup, further chipping away at Virginia's lead, bringing the score to 31-24.

Both teams demonstrated tenacity with remarkable defensive efforts—Mihjae Hayes of VSU and Destiny Ryles of BSU capturing key rebounds. Skylar White delivered another critical layup, increasing Virginia State's lead to 33-26. Mia Smith from BSU quickly countered with a jumper, narrowing the score to 33-28. Just before halftime, Anii Harris made a clutch free throw with only one second left, extending Virginia State's advantage to 34-28 as the teams headed into halftime.

VSU strategically shifted the momentum early in the second half by introducing Tiyanna James and Amesha Miller off the bench. Both teams struggled with their shooting; VSU's Tiyanna James and BSU's Ayasha Thomas each missed crucial layups that could have changed the game's trajectory. However, remarkable defensive rebounds by Tanayja London (VSU) and Destiny Ryles (BSU) kept the contest intense and fiercely competitive.

Beulah Odiong from BSU delivered a crucial layup, facilitated by Ryles, narrowing the score to 34-30. Moments later, Ayasha Thomas distinguished herself with a fast break layup, bringing BSU within striking distance at 34-32. Both teams utilized timeouts and made tactical substitutions to regain focus and maintain energy levels.

In another pivotal moment, Miller from VSU executed a key layup, pushing their advantage to 36-32. Beulah Odiong followed with a free throw, inching BSU closer at 36-33. The game became a whirlwind of steals and turnovers, highlighted by impactful defensive plays from Anii Harris (VSU) and Mia Smith (BSU).

Skylar White from VSU showcased her prowess by sinking a vital 3-pointer, extending their lead to 39-36. Destiny Ryles from BSU responded impressively, contributing a series of standout plays, including a layup and a jumper, which brought the score to a nail-biting 43-42. Despite BSU's relentless effort and tenacity, VSU retained their lead, bolstered by exceptional defensive rebounds from Carmen Kweti. The resilience and skill displayed by VSU ultimately proved decisive in this fierce battle on the court.

VSU implemented strategic substitutions, bringing in Tanayja London and Amesha Miller to fortify their lineup. Both teams faced early struggles, with key players Ayasha Thomas (BSU) and Carmen Kweti (VSU) missing critical shots. However, strong defensive rebounds from Kristin Sterling (BSU) and Tanayja London (VSU) kept the contest intensely competitive.

Harris from VSU delivered a pivotal layup, momentarily giving her team a narrow edge. In response, Odiong from BSU swiftly answered with a layup, assisted brilliantly by Destiny Ryles, narrowing the score to 46-45. Harris emerged as a standout player for VSU, sinking a jumper that widened their lead. She continued to shine, converting several important free throws to extend VSU's advantage to 50-46.

Odiong struck again for BSU, tightening the margin to 50-48, but Harris remained undeterred, responding with yet another layup that pushed VSU's lead to 52-48. Thomas from BSU answered back with a layup, bringing the score to 52-50. Hayes from VSU stepped up to the free throw line, making crucial shots that maintained their lead at 54-50.

In a decisive moment, White from VSU sunk a significant 3-pointer, propelling their lead to 61-56. Ryles from BSU fought back with a layup, reducing the score to 61-58. Ultimately, Hayes from VSU capped off the game with a final layup, securing a hard-fought victory for her team with a score of 63-59.

The Trojans will face the winner of the Fayetteville State vs. Virginia Union game on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 1 PM.