KENNESAW, Ga. – Gardner-Webb dropped its second game in a row Friday night, as a hot second half by the home team resulted in an 85-61 loss at Kennesaw State.

The Runnin' Bulldogs (3-7) led 27-20 with 7:30 remaining before halftime, but the Owls (1-8) heated up and closed on a 12-2 run to hold a 32-29 edge by the break.

Kennesaw State remained hot in the first moments of the second half and used a 14-0 run to effectively put the game out of reach midway through the final 20 minutes. A bucket by Pietro Agostini gave the Owls a 58-37 edge with just over 12 minutes to play and Gardner-Webb would not be able to recover.

Kennesaw State shot a sizzling 68.0 percent over the final half (17-of-25), making 6-of-10 shots from long range and 13-of-16 free throws to score 53 points. Gardner-Webb countered with 11-of-32 shooting for the half (34.4 percent) and just 3-of-15 shooting from three-point range (20.0 percent) as the Owls pulled away.

Gardner-Webb shot 36.1 percent for the game (22-of-61) and made just 13-of-27 layups or dunks inside (48.1 percent) on a tough offensive evening.

Eric Jamison, Jr., scored 22 points – matching his career-high – for the third consecutive game. The East Point, Ga., senior made 9-of-16 prom the floor on Friday in his home state. Jose Perez added 17 points and nine rebounds and Jaheam Cornwall drained a pair of late threes to score 15 points on 5-of-10 shooting.

That trio accounted for all but seven of Gardner-Webb's point production with starter Nate Johnson sidelined with an injury.

Kennesaw State got a game-high 27 points from Tyler Hooker, who led four men in double figures scoring. The Owls played only seven men on Friday night en route to their first win of the season.

Gardner-Webb will remain on the road for its next game, traveling to face Virginia Tech on Sunday, December 15. Opening tip is set for 1:30 pm on ACC Network +.