CHARLESTON, S.C. – Gardner-Webb endured its toughest offensive game of the season Saturday and lost, 74-60, at Charleston Southern.
The Runnin' Bulldogs (12-9, 2-4 Big South) shot a season-low 32.6 percent, made only four field goals in the first half and lost its fourth league road game in four tries this month.
After a 7-0 record to close out 2018 in December, the calendar change to 2019 has been unkind to Gardner-Webb – with those four road losses coming by an average of 12.8 points per game. The Runnin' Bulldogs have also lost two games in a row for the first time since the first week of the season.
David Efianayi led Gardner-Webb with 23 points, scoring 20 of those in the second half with Charleston Southern (8-11, 2-4) extending its lead to as many as 26 points.
Jose Perez added 14 points and
Jaheam Cornwall had six for the Runnin' Bulldogs.
DJ Laster reached a milestone in his career early on in the game, connecting on a pair of free throws to reach 1,000 career points. Those two free throws slowed an 11-2 run by Charleston Southern that turned a tie game into an 18-9 lead with just over eight minutes left before halftime.
Unfortunately for Gardner-Webb, the lead would balloon to double figures and would remain there. The 'Dogs wound up with just 15 points at the half – their lowest output of the season – and trailed 29-15 at the break.
Charleston Southern didn't have its best offensive performance on Saturday, but it was plenty good enough when paired with a solid defensive effort. The Bucs shot 40.0 percent for the game (24-of-60) and got 18 points inside from Jones (nine rebounds), 13 from leading scorer Christian Keeling and 10 from Phlan Fleming.
A plus-9 rebounding advantage and a perfect 18-of-18 effort as a team from the free throw line prevented any thoughts of a comeback. Charleston Southern also shared the ball very well, assisting on 18 of 24 made baskets.
After playing four of its first six Big South games away from home, Gardner-Webb will return to Paul Porter Arena for a pair, beginning with High Point on Wednesday night. Opening tip is set for 7:00 pm, with the game set to stream live on ESPN+.
