Sometimes, going back to the area that a person is from and playing in front of friends and family can make one want to play well so badly that they push too hard and things don't go the way you planned.  That was the case for Shaw guard Kiarsha Curtis, at first.  The Capital Heights, MD native then settled down and led Shaw with 21 points as Shaw defeated Bowie State 75-65 at A.C. Jordan Arena. 

Shaw (8-0, 13-0, 21-2) found itself down 18-11 on a lay-up by Allyson Hardy with 9 minutes 17 seconds remaining in the first half.  Shaw went on a 9-0 run and took 20-18 lead on a jumper by LaTonya Hall with 7:21 remaining in the half.  Bowie State (2-5, 4-8, 10-13) regained the lead momentarily on two free throws by Rachill Robinson with 6:05 remaining in the half.  Shaw regained the lead for good on two free throws by Latasha Shipman (16 points) with 4:39 remaining in the half and led 37-29 at halftime.

Shaw led 49-39 on a free throw by Curtis with 13:52 remaining in the game. But an 11-2 run by the Lady Bulldogs capped of by a three-pointer by Hardy cut the Lady Bear lead to 51-50 with 8:41 remaining.  But that's as close as Bowie State would come as Shaw went on a 16-4 run and took its biggest lead of the game 66-55 on a jumper by Joy Hairston (16 points) with 3:22 remaining.  Jessica Hawkins was also in double figures with 11 points.

Shaw has a chance to win the CIAA's eastern division as they host Virginia Union on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. in Spaulding Gymnasium.

Note: This was the first win for Jacques Curtis in four tries as head coach of the Lady Bears.