Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls

Bowie, MD – The Golden Bulls basketball team had a poor night shooting in a 76-64 conference loss to Bowie State University Monday evening inside A.C. Jordan Arena. JCSU is now 3-3 overall and 1-2 in the CIAA, while the Bulldogs improve to 3-2 in the standings and 3-1 in the conference.

JCSU got into a rhythm late in the first half. The Golden Bulls went on a 10-0 scoring run halfway through the first that last about four minutes. The spurt put J.C. Smith ahead 25-16 with 6:53 remaining. Bowie State responded with their own scoring run and eventually tied the game 29 apiece at the 2:18 mark.

Johnson C. Smith was up 36-35 at halftime. Senior forward Jerry Hollis (Charlotte, NC) returned to the starting line-up and produced 12 points, five rebounds, and three assists in the opening period. Sophomore center Michael Cooper (New Rochelle, NY) had seven points off the bench, shooting 83.3% from the free throw line (5-6).

Five minutes into the second half, the game had reached a ninth tie. The Bulldogs put together consecutive scoring series in the post en route to a 14-1 run. The run allowed Bowie to grab a double digit lead, which they managed until the conclusion of the game.

The Golden Bulls shot 26.8% from the floor in the second half (11-41) and 29.5% for the game (23-78). BSU was slightly ahead in rebounding 55-47 and shot 40.3% from the field (25-62). JCSU was outscored in the paint 40-28.

Hollis finished with a team-high 23 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. Cooper had nine points and senior forward James Dillard (Apex, NC) pitched in with seven points, seven rebounds, and two blocks.

Duke Crews had a game-high 26 points and 18 rebounds for the Bulldogs. Eric Vann followed with 19 points and four steals.

J.C. Smith will get a chance to make some adjustments before their next game on Saturday, December 12th versus Bluefield State College. Game time is scheduled for 4:00 pm in Bluefield, WV on the campus of Bluefield State.