RALEIGH, N.C. – For the first time in the Jones' era, the Shaw University football team watched in disbelief as the last second play dashed the hopes of a Bears victory in its home opener in Raleigh – first time in 12 years. Bowie State University scored on a questionable five yard pass from Gastron Cooper to Dushon David as 18 seconds remained on the clock, ultimately giving the Bulldogs (2-0) the 26-21 win over Shaw as the Bears fall to 0-2 on the year at the George Williams Athletic Complex Saturday afternoon.

The Bears had outscored the Bulldogs 7-3 in the first quarter when senior quarterback Torrin Campbell (Toledo, OH) connected with junior wide receiver Daniel Bender (Jacksonville, FL) for an 18 yard reception TD. Bowie State would outscore Shaw in the second stanza after a safety with 1:35 but the Bears held a 14-12 frame at intermission.

Shaw owned a 21-12 lead in the fourth quarter thanks to a 39-yard run from senior wide receiver Marquis Gorham (Greensville, NC), his second touchdown on the day and the team could see a win on the horizon. However, the Bulldogs blocked a Bears punt and recovered it for a touchdown in the end zone, closing the gap to 21-19 with 2:46 left in regulation.

BSU's onside kick put the Bears on the visitors 46 yard line but facing a fourth down, Shaw was forced to punt in which the Bulldogs blocked another punt, recovering the ball at the Bears 10 yard line that eventually led to a pass play and a score for the Bulldogs with 18 seconds left in regulation.

Shaw tallied over 300 yards of offense for the first time this season, garnering 388 on a fairly balanced attack. The Bears rushed for 118 yard and passed for 270, while Bowie State tallied 288 total offensive yards.

Gorham led the team in receiving with a season-best 126 yards on five receptions and two scores while Campbell completed 16-of-23 passes for 249 yards and two touchdowns. Freshman running back Sidney Gibbs (Black Mountain, NC) picked up 48 yards on 12 carries and Bender caught six passes for 67 yards and a TD.

Defensively, senior linebacker Devon Hunt (Hamlet, NC) recorded a team-high nine tackles (all solo) and a tackle for loss while junior defensive back Jaleel Scroggins (Raleigh, NC) grabbed six tackles and two tackle for loss.

The Bears will return to action for its Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) opener on Saturday, Sept. 21 at Chowan. The game is scheduled to kick off at 6 p.m. and will be televised on either ESPN3 or the NCAA social media as a part of the 2019 NCAA DII football showcase.

For the most up-to-date information on Shaw athletics and its 13 varsity sport teams, visit www.shawbears.com.