Benedict College outlasted Bowie State 66-62 on Saturday to capture the 2026 Black College Invitational Championship.
Bowie State started fast and stayed within striking distance through the first half. The Bulldogs led 14-13 after the opening quarter and briefly moved in front 23-21 in the second before Benedict answered with a late run to take control at the break.
The Tigers extended the margin in the third quarter, capitalizing on 10 Bowie State turnovers in the period to push the lead to 55-43 heading into the fourth.
Benedict’s defense and shot-making helped create enough separation to withstand the Bulldogs’ final push.
Hot shooting led Benedict College to win
Mia Smith led Bowie State with 19 points, including two early 3-pointers and a three-point play in the fourth quarter that sparked the comeback attempt.
Kristin Sterling added eight rebounds, two blocks and three steals, while Jada Bouknight finished with eight points and two blocks for the Bulldogs.
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Benedict shot 41.8 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from 3-point range, compared with Bowie State’s 36.5 percent shooting and 15.4 percent from deep. The Tigers also held a 38-26 rebounding edge and turned 30 turnovers into valuable possessions in the championship win.
