Golden Bulls Bypass Bulldogs

Golden Bulls Bypass Bulldogs

March 3, 2006
 
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – The Western Division’s Golden Bulls of Johnson C. Smith University were co-stars with the Bowie State University Bulldogs in the CIAA’s nine o’clock semi-final featured presentation. Charlotte’s own Golden Bulls made the Bobcats Arena their home away from home as they bellowed  “Bye Bye” to the Bulldogs with a 72 – 60 upset.
 
In the first half, the Golden Bulls and the Bulldogs had fans looking quickly left and then right as their shootout showdown involved the game being tied on four separate occasions. A jumper by Prince Parker at the 9:32 mark, gave JCSU their largest lead of nine points (21 – 12) over BSU. Then, the Bulldogs barked back with a monstrous 13 – 0 scoring run to lead 29 – 24. A post production by Charles Clark and a three-pointer by Darren Ramsey ended the Golden Bulls’ four minute scoring drought and tied the game for the last time of half 29 – 29. Clark and Ramsey sunk a free-throw each to put JCSU back up by two (31 – 29). BSU’s Thomas Hawkins tickled the twine with a time bomb from three-point territory to carry the Bulldogs into the locker-room leading by just a free-throw, 32 – 31.
 
After the intermission, both battalions continued to trade swooshes here and swishes there for possession of the lead. Around the 10:24 mark, took an eight point lead (58 – 50) with a lay-up by Maurice Hooper. BSU’s Ray Akinola cut the lead to five making one of two free-throws, but JCSU long jumped back out in front with a twelve point lead (68 – 56). Black and gold fans raged for a comeback, but  BSU was bitten by their tear jerking 33.3% field goal percentage (nine of twenty-seven) and injured ability to connect on only one three-pointer of eight attempts (12.5%). The Golden Bulls were 12 of 23 (52.2%) from the field, four of seven (57.1%) from behind the arc, and 13 of 16 (81.3%) from the charity stripe.
 
 
Topping all scorers for the Golden Bulls was Maurice Hooper. The guard was six of eleven from the field flawless form the free-throw line (seven of seven) and from three-point land (two of two) for a game high 21 points. Providing additional scoring was Charles Clark with 19 points, and John Fulton with points.
 
Leading in scoring for the Bulldogs was Kevin Bell with 19 points. Other scoring was provided by Derick Payne with 15 points and Ray Akinola with 12 points. Derick Payne was one rebound shy of a double double with nine rebounds.
 
 
The Johnson C. Smith University Golden Bulls will compete for the 2006 CIAA Men’s Basketball Championship and a year worth of bragging rights against the 2005 NCAA Division II & 2005 CIAA Tournament Champions, the Virginia Union University Panthers. The ultimate, long awaited athletic argument will be initiated at 6:00 p.m.