Bowie, MD - The Shaw University Bears used a fast start to cruise past the host Bowie State University Bulldogs 74-51 in a CIAA Northern Division matchup Saturday afternoon inside A.C. Joran Arena in Bowie, MD.

Shaw (10-8, 6-6 CIAA, 5-3 North) jumped ahead with early leads of 10-2 and 20-2 with 13:54 left in the first half. BSU (7-18, 5-9 CIAA, 3-5 North) drew as close as 30-14 before the Bears pressed ahead 36-20 while going into the locker ahead 38-23 at the half. 

The Shaw lead grew back 20 with 17:20 remaining in the contest but the Bears weren't done expanding their lead to 58-32. Shaw's biggest lead reached 29 twice with the last time being with 7:04 left which allowed the Bears to cruise the rest of the contest coming away with the 74-51 win completing the season sweep over the Bulldogs. 

Three Bears finished in double-figure scoring with Corey Rutherford leading the trio with 15 points including five made three-point baskets. Michael Armstrong followed with 14 points and a team-high 7 rebounds while Justus Baldwin added 13 points. 

The Bears return to action Wednesday, February 16 as Shaw hosts Lincoln University (PA) in a crucial CIAA matchup. Tipoff is slated for 8 p.m. inside C.C. Spaulding Gymnasium.