ATHENS, Ga. – A hot start by Georgia was too much for Gardner-Webb to overcome, as the Runnin' Bulldogs would drop an 84-56 decision in their final non-conference game of the 2019-20 season Sunday afternoon.
Gardner-Webb (5-4) shot just 29.6 percent (16-of-54) on the day, compared to a 43.3 percent (29-of-67) outing by Georgia (8-4). GWU made 6-of-21 attempts from long distance and was 18-of-23 from the free throw line. Georgia was 4-of-15 from beyond the three-point line and 22-of-27 from the charity stripe.
Georgia (8-4) held Gardner-Webb (5-4) to just one made basket in the opening 6:45 of play, jumping out to a 19-4 lead.
Carley Plentovich ended GWU's drought with 3:15 on the clock in the opening frame on a mid-range basket, and the two teams would trade buckets for the remainder of the period, with Georgia leading by a 26-12 margin.
The Runnin' Bulldogs would trim their deficit to 11 points at 30-19 after a basket by
Laura Kozo with 7:13 on the clock in the second quarter, but Georgia would go on to push its lead to 19 points at 46-27 to end the opening half of play.
Georgia went on a quick 7-1 run to open the third period, but a quick 8-1 spurt midway through the stanza, capped by a three-pointer by
Carley Plentovich with 3:37 on the clock brought the 'Dogs back within 18 at 62-44. Georgia responded by outscoring GWU by a 10-2 margin over the remainder of the period to lead by a score of 72-46.
Both teams would swap baskets throughout the fourth period, as GWU would be outscored by a 12-10 margin in the frame, with Georgia taking an 84-56 decision.
Carley Plentovich led the 'Dogs in scoring with 18 points on a 5-of-12 outing, including 3-of-6 from downtown and 5-of-6 from the free throw line.
Savannah Plentovich added 12 points on 4-of-11 shooting and was 2-of-4 from long distance.
Jayvn Nicholson had a game-high 22 points to lead Georgia offensively, going 9-of-11 from the floor. Caitlin Hose followed with 14 points.
The Runnin' Bulldogs will take a quick break for Christmas before returning to action Saturday afternoon, opening Big South Conference play at Longwood. Action is slated for a 3:00 pm start with live coverage on ESPN+.
