BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – Gardner -Webb escaped a late rally from Presbyterian on Thursday night, leaving Paul Porter Arena with a 61-53 victory over the Blue Hose.
 
Presbyterian (8-12, 1-6 Big South) opened the game on a 8-2 run over the first 3:09, but it would be their largest lead of the contest. The Runnin' Bulldogs (10-10, 5-2 Big South) quickly fought back, and after finding themselves down 10-5, embarked on a 16-0 run that lasted nearly eight minutes. During the run, Patrick Zeck contributed six points, while David Efianayi added four of his own.
 
After Presbyterian cut the Gardner-Webb lead to seven with 6:01 remaining in the opening period, the Runnin' Bulldogs responded by extending their advantage to 16 points at the half. The run was capped off by Liam O'Reilly's floater in the lane as time expired, giving the home squad a 34-18 lead at the intermission. The Runnin' Bulldogs held the Blue Hose scoreless over the final 4:42 of the opening half.
 
Gardner-Webb opened the second period by taking it's largest lead of the contest at 19 points, but for the majority of the half the two teams traded baskets, until the visitors began chipping away at the Runnin' Bulldogs lead with just over six minutes remaining.
 
A D.J. Laster dunk put Gardner-Webb up 16, 54-38, but Presbyterian went on 15-4 run to pull within five, 58-53, with 91 seconds remaining. The Runnin' Bulldogs held the Blue Hose scoreless over the final 1:31 and used three late free throws by Christian Turner and Efianayi to seal the victory, 61-53.
 
Gardner-Webb was led by Laster's 22 points on 9-of-13 shooting, while Efianayi added 16, giving the Runnin' Bulldogs two players in double figures.
 
Davon Bell and Reggie Dillard led Presbyterian with 16 and 13 points respectively.
 
The Runnin' Bulldogs shot a scorching 54.2 percent from the floor in the first half and finished the game at 45.7 percent (21-of-46). The Blue Hose struggled from the field, converting only 26.9 percent in the opening half and 32.1 percent from the game. Presbyterian held a 36-32 advantage on the glass.
 
Gardner-Webb will have a quick turn around as the team is scheduled to travel to Charleston Southern on Sunday. Tip off is set for 5:30 p.m. and can be seen on the Big South Network.