Runnin' Bulldogs Return Home Saturday Night To Host Tennessee Tech (7:00)
December 07, 2012 | Men's Basketball
The Runnin' Bulldogs (5-5) will be playing their third game in five days and will break for exams following Saturday night's bout with the Golden Eagles (5-3). Tennessee Tech topped Wisconsin-Green Bay on Thursday night, 73-68.
"Tennessee Tech is a very talented team and program," said Gardner-Webb head coach Chris Holtmann. "They possess great skill and athleticism and are coming of a really good win on Thursday night."
Gardner-Webb will host a special "Silent Night" promotion during Saturday's game. Fans are asked to remain completely silent once the game begins - until the Runnin' Bulldogs score their eighth point.
At the moment the eighth point is scored, the crowd is expected to erupt and cheer as loudly as possible for as long as possible.
Tennessee Tech holds a 1-0 series lead over the Runnin' Bulldogs on the strength of a 60-58 two seasons ago in Cookeville, Tenn., as part of the ESPNU BracketBusters event. Laron Buggs led Gardner-Webb with 19 points in that game, and Jon Moore added 15.
The Golden Eagles are led this season by 6-foot-5 wing Jud Dillard, who is pumping in 20.4 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. The senior had 13 points and 12 boards in the win over Gardner-Webb two seasons ago.
Dillard dropped in 34 points in a win over Coastal Carolina earlier this season, out dueling the Chants' Anthony Raffa (25 points). He has scored at least 20 points in all but three games and has emerged as an early favorite for OVC Player of the Year honors.
Junior guard Jeremia Samarrippas (11.0 ppg) and freshman Lanerryl Johnson (10.0 ppg) are also scoring in double digits for Coach Steve Payne.
Gardner-Webb had a tough night offensively in its 54-42 loss at Wofford on Wednesday, but has gotten a scoring lift from sophomores Donta Harper (13.5 ppg) and Max Landis (11.5 ppg) all season.
Tickets for Saturday's game are available at the gate. Prices are $10 for adults and $5 for non-Gardner-Webb students.
| GAME NOTES (PDF) |
