CHARLESTON, S.C. – Gardner-Webb jumped out to a double figures lead early on New Year's Eve and rolled to a 79-52 win at Charleston Southern to even its Big South Conference record in women's basketball action.

All-Big South guard Carley Plentovich continued to build a strong resume, knocking down 8-of-12 shots to finish with a game-high 27 points and 10 rebounds. The Clearwater, Fla., senior crossed the coveted 1,000-point mark in the process and sits at 1,004 points after her 96th career game with teh Runnin' Bulldogs.

Gabrielle Caponegro added 11 points and Jhessyka Williams scored eight points to go with 10 rebounds – including five offensive caroms – to lead the Runnin' Bulldogs.  Alexis Hueston also scored eight points for Gardner-Webb.

Gardner-Webb led 42-25 at halftime and, after the Buccaneers pulled within 12 points by the end of the third period, the Runnin' Bulldogs put their foot on the pedal and pulled away for good. The 'Dogs closed the game with a dominant, 20-5 run in the fourth quarter for the final margin. 

Gardner-Webb did not trail in the game and shot a sizzling 20-of-21 from the free throw line (95.2 percent). A suffocating defensive effort limited Charleston Southern to just 27.3 percent shooting for the game and generated 21 turnovers – which Gardner-Webb turned into 27 points.

The visitors also held a dominant edge on the backboards, out rebounding CSU by a 52-39 margin. GWU had 24 offensive rebounds as a team and used that edge for 25 second-chance points.

Tierra Steede led Charleston Southern with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Carmella Walker had 11 points for the Bucs.

Gardner-Webb will stay on the road, and the coast, for its next game – traveling to face Hampton on Saturday, January 4. Opening tip is set for 4:00 pm on ESPN+.