Bowie State Bulldogs Battle and Capture 78-75 Overtime Victory Over Johnson C. Smith

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Bowie State junior Ahmaad Wilson (Baltimore, Md.) scored a career-high 30 points to go along with four rebounds while teammates Omari George added 15 points and seven rebounds and Michael Briscoe also added 13 points and eight rebounds in thrilling 78-75 overtime win over Johnson C. Smith.

With the win, Bowie State improves to 13-15 overall, while Johnson C. Smith finishes its season at 11-17.

A quick start from both teams, as the game started 8-7, as JCSU’s Malik Ford opens the scoring.  He was answered by Bowie State’s, Briscoe, who made one of two free throws. Johnson C. Smith would surge ahead 14-11 on a made basket by Gabon Williams to take the early lead. Williams would add a 3-pointer with 11:55 remaining in the first half to put the Golden Bulls up 17-11.

The game would settle and the teams began a time where the game was very sloppy on both ends. Lot of fouls, missed shot and blown opportunities would be the center of attention for several minutes.

The game would go a few minutes scoreless, as neither team could find the basket, and back to back 3-pointers from Wilson would give Bowie State the lead at 22-21. Wilson would then come up with a steal and drain another 3-pointer to give BSU a 24-21 advantage.

The BSU Bulldogs would continue to pressure the JCSU Golden Bulls, and would take a 32-31 halftime lead into the locker room.

Bowie State was led at halftime by Wilson who single handedly kept the Bulldogs in the game by scoring 24 first half points, on eight of 11 shots, including 6-of-7 shooting from behind the three point arc.

The first half featured three ties and three lead changes, while the Golden Bulls dominated the points in the paint with a 14-4 edge.

Johnson C. Smith shot 42.9 percent from the floor in the first half, while holding Bowie State to just 34.4 percent.

The Bulldogs began the second half with a 6-1 run to open 38-32 lead before a Gabon Williams triple stopped the run.

The Golden Bulls of Johnson C. Smith would assume the lead with 14:22 to play following a Williams layup, setting the score at 40-39.

A three point play the old fashioned way by Bowie State redshirt freshman David Belle (Hyattsville, Md.) put the Bulldogs back on top, before the Golden Bulls quickly answered with back to back baskets to regain the lead.

A three pointer by Bowie State senior Brian Kelley (Lanham, Md.) would tie the game at 45-all.

BSU senior Enuoma Ebinum (Greenbelt, Md.) scored on an inside move to give the Bulldogs a 54-48 lead, and on a key possession midway through the half, the BSU Bulldogs would come up with a key offensive rebound to keep the possession and stop the Golden Bulls from getting any closer.

Briscoe dropped a dagger from behind the arc on an off-balance shot as the shot clock buzzer sounded to give BSU a 57-52 lead.

Robert Davis would pull JCSU close, with the tough running banker 58-54. Johnson C. Smith got a huge rebound and basket from Gabon Williams with 3:45 left to play, but missed the free throw to get any closer.

Robert Davis went to the line with 3:15 remaining, and made two to tie the game at 59-59.

BSU’s junior Dayshawn Wells (Baltimore, Md.) hit a big three at the 2:26 mark to give the Bulldogs the 62-59 lead, and then would drill another triple for a 65-61 advantage.

Johnson C. Smith’s Christian Kirchman dropped in two free throws to close the deficit to 65-63.

BSU’s George would come up with a big steal and then would make one of two free throws to give the Bulldogs a little breathing room at 66-63 with 41 seconds left in regulation.

JCSU’s Aaron Adair would delay Bowie State celebration, stoking a three pointer to knot the game at 66-all. The Golden Bulls had a chance to win in regulation but Christian Williams’ three at the buzzer went off the rim, sending the game to overtime.

Bowie State never trailed in the extra period and with score tied at 68-68, the Bulldogs duo of Wilson and Briscoe put the team on their backs to earn the victory.

Johnson C. Smith was led by Gabon Williams who finished with 21 points while Robert Davis added 20 points and seven rebounds. Christian Williams chipped in 16 points and grabbed a game-high 13 rebounds.

Bowie State will now advance to face Virginia Union at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday evening at Spectrum Center.