Sports
Bowie State Bulldogs NCAA Run Ends After Loss to IUP in Atlantic Region Semifinal
Ending the season with a record of 26-3, the Bulldogs had a good run in their first post-season appearance since 2005.
Bowie State’s NCAA dreams ended Sunday night, thanks to Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP).
The Bulldogs got off to a great start, but the ending was rough as they couldn’t hold an early 14-point lead and saw IUP rally and then pull away for a 94-81 victory in an NCAA Atlantic Region semifinal in Division II men's basketball.
Bowie State finished the season with a 23-6 record while IUP improved to 26-5 and moved on to the region finals.
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The Bulldogs played IUP earlier this season and pulled out a 71-68 victory in the first month. Bowie State got off to a good start in this game, but eventually the Bulldogs had no answer for the good shooting that IUP brought.
IUP made 13 of 19 three-point shots and made an astonishing 60.4 percent from the field to gun down Bowie State.
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The Crimson Hawks also helped their cause in other ways on offense. They made 23 of 26 free throws and had 20 assists on their 29 passes. They passed well, shot great and kept scoring points.
The Bulldogs got plenty of offense in their own rite, as Darren Clark led them with 20 points and teammates Eric Vann (15) and Bryan Wilson (12) also pitched in. But IUP was able to slow 7-foot center Travis Hyman, limiting him to nine points and four rebounds.
Bowie State appeared en route to running away with the game in the early minutes. The Bulldogs raced to an 18-4 lead in the first seven minutes and looked in command. But IUP slowly began to work its way back, tying the game at 24 about five minutes later.
The Crimson Hawks got the lead by halftime, taking a 46-40 lead at the break. They began to pull away in the second half to end Bowie State’s season.
"I’m really proud of my basketball team and happy for the opportunity to be here (NCAA’s)”, said Bowie State coach Darrell Brooks. “We lost to a very good and experienced basketball team that reached the Division II finals last season, and they understand this regional tournament and hopefully our young team will learn from this experience and be back here next year.”
This was Bowie State’s first post-season appearance since 2005.
Editor's Note: A quote from Bowie State coach Darrell Brooks was added after original publication.
