ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Gardner-Webb couldn't overcome an ice cold shooting day from the floor an lost to Arkansas State, 77-69, Sunday afternoon on the final day of the visitcurrituckOBX.com Battle in the Blue Ridge.
The Runnin' Bulldogs (2-5) cut a double figures deficit all the way to one point, 67-66, on
DJ Laster's foul line jumper with 1:39 left, but could not keep Arkansas State (2-5) off the foul line down the stretch – as the Red Wolves went on a 10-0 run before a last-second three-point from
David Efianayi provided the final margin.
Gardner-Webb shot an uncharacteristic 39.6 percent for the game, with several open jump shots simply off the mark throughout the 40 minutes – and a physical interior defense from Arkansas State making negating several promising drives to the basket.
The game featured 41 personal fouls and 50 free throws, with both teams knocking down more than 20 free chances.
The Red Wolves shot 51.0 percent themselves and owned a 36-23 rebounding advantage. A 43-17 bench scoring edge was decisive, as forward Salif Boudie came off the pine to score 21 points on 7-of-7 shooting.
Guard Ty Cockfield led Arkansas State with 23 points and nine rebounds, connecting on a variety of shots – but none more important than 10 points in the final 1:17 to halt Gardner-Webb's rally and seal the win. Cockfield made 6-of-7 free throws and connected on two driving layups during that span – as Gardner-Webb could not connect on the other end.
Efianayi scored a game-high 24 points to lead Gardner-Webb, but was just 8-of-18 from the floor. He did knock in four three-pointers and made all four free throw chances – as Gardner-Webb connected on 20-of-25 as a team (80.0 percent).
Laster and
Nate Johnson each scored 12 points, with Laster adding nine rebounds.
Gardner-Webb will remain on the road for its next game, playing at USC Upstate on Wednesday, November 28. The game will be designated a non-conference game, as the Runnin' Bulldogs return last season's home game.
Opening tip Wednesday night is set for 7:00 pm in Spartanburg, S.C.
