BALTIMORE, MD — February 24, 2026 — Bowie State (8–21) delivered its most complete performance of the season, erupting for 100 points in a commanding 100–77 victory over Livingstone (10–17) in the opening round of the CIAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at CFG Bank Arena. Fueled by a dominant, all-around performance from Food Lion Player of the Game Jaiden McGhee, the Bulldogs advanced to a highly anticipated matchup with #1 Southern Division seed Fayetteville State on Wednesday, February 25 at 8:50 PM.

Bowie State seized control early, using hot perimeter shooting and relentless transition play to build a 44–32 halftime lead. The Bulldogs shot over 55 percent in the first half and knocked down eight three-pointers, creating a pace Livingstone struggled to match. McGhee anchored the surge, scoring efficiently inside and out while controlling the glass, eventually finishing with 20 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists in one of the most dominant performances of the tournament’s opening day.

The Bulldogs’ offensive firepower proved overwhelming. KJ West fueled the early pace, posting 24 points on 10-of-19 shooting, including multiple transition baskets that electrified the home crowd. Jailin Landis followed with 22 points, attacking the lane and capitalizing on turnovers to extend Bowie State’s advantage. Joseph Allen added 20 points, nine rebounds, and six blocks in a standout interior effort that disrupted Livingstone’s rhythm throughout the night.

Livingstone fought to stay within reach behind the play of Kenneth Tyree, who scored 15 points, and Camerin Horton, who matched him with 15 of his own while providing a spark off the bench. Jeremiah Mobley added 14 points, and Omarion Bodrick contributed 13 on an efficient 5-for-6 shooting clip. Their efforts kept the Blue Bears competitive, but Bowie State’s blistering shooting and size advantage created a deficit too large to overcome.

Every time Livingstone threatened to narrow the gap, Bowie State responded with another run. McGhee orchestrated the offense with composure, feeding Allen in the post, finding West in transition, and keeping possessions alive with his work on the offensive glass. The Bulldogs continued to push the tempo in the second half, scoring 56 points after the break and shooting nearly 60 percent from the floor as they blew the game open.

Bowie State’s defense also tightened as the game progressed. The Bulldogs forced 12 turnovers, converted them into 19 points, and held Livingstone to just 15 percent shooting from three. Despite the Blue Bears’ aggressive attempts to claw back into the contest, Bowie State’s athleticism and shot-making repeatedly shut down momentum swings. A late flurry of dunks from Allen and Landis punctuated the Bulldogs’ most explosive offensive performance of the season.

For full schedules, updates, and tournament coverage, visit ciaatournament.org.