BOILING SPRINGS - Gardner-Webb enters the Advance Auto Parts Big South Conference Men's Basketball Tournament on a roll, having won three of its last four league games.

The Runnin' Bulldogs (11-20, 6-12) face a tall task in the first round, however, facing a talented Coastal Carolina squad on its home court in the quarterfinals Tuesday. Opening tip is set for 7 pm and will air live on WGWG-FM (88.3) and the Big South Network (bigsouthsports.com).

Gardner-Webb and Coastal Carolina have staged a pair of outstanding battles already this season, with the Chanticleers escaping Boiling Springs with a 58-55 win on January 22, and the Runnin' Bulldogs returning the favor with a 59-57 win in Conway on February 15. Gardner-Webb's win put an end to what was the nation's longest win streak the time (22 games).

Defense has been the key component to Gardner-Webb's success against the regular season champions, with the 'Dogs limiting Coastal Carolina to 41.1 percent shooting in those two matchups and a surprising 6-of-23 from long distance (26.1 percent).

The Chanticleers have made up for a tough field goal percentage with efficiency at the free throw line - knocking in 35-of-43 charity shots (81.4 percent) in the two games.

Jon Moore (14.5 ppg), Laron Buggs (13.0 ppg) and Stefon Johnson (10.0 ppg, 7.5 rpg) have been the key cogs in Gardner-Webb's two games against CCU.

The Chanticleers have question marks heading into the game, with starting point guard Kierre Greenwood out with a knee injury and leading scorer Desmond Holloway having missed the last three games due to suspension. Still, Coastal Carolina brings plenty of talent to the floor, with first-team All-Big South forward Chad Gray perhaps the league's top all-around player leading the way.

The winner of Tuesday night's game will do battle with the winner of No. 4 VMI/No. 5 Winthrop on Thursday night in Conway, S.C., in a semifinal game that will be televised live on ESPNU.