BUIES CREEK, N.C. – Gardner-Webb saw its eight-game win streak halted Saturday afternoon as Campbell rallied for a 72-61 win in both teams' Big South Conference opener.
Campbell's Chris Clemons led a decisive 12-0 run to put the Fighting Camels (8-7, 1-0 Big South) in front 61-51 with 3:36 remaining in the game. That was part of a larger 19-2 run that erased what had been a seven point lead for Gardner-Webb (10-6, 0-1 Big South) midway through the half.
The loss also snapped a three-game win streak in Buies Creek for Gardner-Webb and marked the squad's first loss since Thanksgiving weekend.
Gardner-Webb scored the last six points of the first half to lead 32-25 at the break, but could not extend its lead in the second half. Campbell eventually took advantage of the cold shooting, with Clemons leading the way. The nation's leading scorer worked his way into the lane for a pair of easy buckets – then drained a long three with 4:20 left for a 59-51 edge. He scored eight points in the 12-0 run that put the game away.
Gardner-Webb got a dunk from David Efianayito snap the run and a traditional three-point play from Jose Perez with 1:54 left to cut the lead to 61-56, but Clemons drained a three late in the shot clock with 1:25 left to regain momentum and effectively put the game out of reach.
Efianayisank a three-pointer with 48.6 seconds left to cut the lead to 65-59, but Campbell made six free throws down the stretch to keep the game's outcome secure.
The Runnin' Bulldogs were bothered by Campbell's full court pressure, which slowed the game's pace down considerably – and helped force 14 Gardner-Webb turnovers, with several coming in costly situations. Gardner-Webb finished more than 20 points below its season scoring average for the day.
The shooting woes from the perimeter were also costly, with Gardner-Webb managing just a 6-of-26 effort from long range (23.1 percent) – including 2-of-16 (12.5 percent) in the second half. Overall, GWU shot just 39.6 percent (21-of-53) from the floor.
Efianayifinished with 18 points, Perez had 15 points and DJ Lasterscored 14 points to go with 10 rebounds for a double-double. Nate Johnson added 11 points, as Gardner-Webb's big four accounted for all but three of the team's 61 points.
Clemons scored 20 of his 27 points in the second half to lead Campbell, but needed 26 shots to accomplish that feat. He overcame a 3-for-11 start to the game to lead the Camels' rally late.
Jordan Whitfield came off the bench to score 13 points and Andrew Eudyhad 11 points, 10 rebounds and five assists for the home team. Campbell shot 48.6 percent in the second half and 41.3 percent for the game – which include 10 makes from long distance.
Gardner-Webb controlled the backboards with a 40-34 edge, but saw Campbell go +12 on points off of turnovers (18-6), with 10 of the Runnin' Bulldog miscues coming in the second half.
The Runnin' Bulldogs will have a week to regroup, returning home to host USC Upstate on Saturday, January 12, at 5:00 pm as part of a Big South Conference twinbill in Paul Porter Arena. For ticket information, call Gardner-Webb athletics at (704) 406-4355.
