BOWIE, MD — Shaw University's four-game winning streak came to an end Saturday afternoon as Bowie State held off a late Bears rally for a 34-29 CIAA victory at Bulldog Stadium.
Shaw (4-2, 2-2 CIAA) finished with 433 yards of total offense and remained within striking distance throughout the second half, but Bowie State's 287-yard rushing performance proved to be the difference.
The Bears started quickly. Benjamin Turner opened the scoring with a 36-yard field goal before Alexander Marsh connected with Reggie King Jr. for a 7-yard touchdown that gave Shaw a 10-0 first-quarter advantage.
Bowie State answered with 14 consecutive points, including a touchdown with just two seconds remaining in the second quarter, to take a 14-10 lead into halftime.
The Bulldogs pushed their advantage to 21-10 early in the third, but Shaw responded immediately when Trey Thorpe broke loose for a 66-yard touchdown run. After another Bowie State score made it 28-16, Marsh found Zyier Hines for a 9-yard touchdown with six seconds remaining in the quarter, trimming the deficit to 28-23.
Bowie State regained control on Daniel Coles Jr.'s 70-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter to move ahead 34-23.
Shaw refused to go away.
The Bears put together a 14-play, 66-yard drive late in the fourth quarter, capped by Landon Melton's 7-yard touchdown pass to Cobie Bates with 3:28 remaining. The score pulled Shaw within five at 34-29, but the Bears were unable to complete the comeback.
Thorpe led Shaw's rushing attack with 138 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries, including his 66-yard scoring run. Marsh completed 19 of 30 passes for 214 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions while adding 42 yards on the ground.
Bates turned in a strong performance with six receptions for 97 yards and a touchdown, including a 53-yard reception. King added five catches for 57 yards and a score.
Defensively, Quadir McEachin led the Bears with 12 tackles, including nine solo stops and a tackle for loss. Kristopher Young added four tackles, two pass breakups and a fumble recovery.
Shaw outgained Bowie State in time of possession, holding the ball for 34:40, and converted five of six fourth-down attempts. The Bears also finished the afternoon without committing a turnover.
Bowie State improved to 2-3 overall and 2-1 in CIAA play with the win.
