BOILING SPRINGS – Lauren Bevis' jumper from the key with a second left fell short and Gardner-Webb dropped a 56-53 decision to Presbyterian Tuesday night in Paul Porter Arena.

Gardner-Webb (7-8, 2-4 Big South) had two chances to pull even or take the lead in the final 10 seconds, but could not get a shot to go down. After the final miss, the Blue Hose (5-10, 1-5 Big South) grabbed the rebound and Alessia Capley made a free throw on the other end with 0.3 seconds left for the final margin.

Presbyterian trailed for most of the final five minutes, until Tionna Carter connected on a short turnaround with 1:06 to play to put the Blue Hose up 54-53. Gardner-Webb coughed it up on the ensuing possession and Trinity Johnson made the second of two free throws to put the visitors up 55-53 with 24.3 seconds to go.

Gardner-Webb came down and got an open look for Bevis, but the shot rimmed out – although Savannah Plentovich grabbed the offensive carom. GWU called a timeout with 5.5 seconds left to draw up a play, but the shot wouldn't fall.

The Runnin' Bulldogs bolted to a 17-9 lead after the first quarter, as the Blue Hose committed 11 turnovers in those first 10 minutes. Presbyterian responded though, outscoring the 'Dogs 20-7 in the second quarter to take a 29-24 lead into the locker room. A solid rally by Gardner-Webb midway through the third quarter pulled Gardner-Webb to within 44-43 by the end of the third quarter.

The Runnin' Bulldogs shot 32.0 percent for the game (16-of-50) but had a 12-4 edge in second-chance scoring after pulling down 11 offensive rebounds. GWU had 18 turnovers, but forced 23 by the visitors in game that featured eight lead changes.

Savannah Plentovich led the Runnin' Bulldogs with 11 points and five assists and Carley Plentovich added nine points. Gabrielle Caponegro added eight points and seven boards, and the trio of Jhessyka Williams, Alexis Hueston and Bevis each had six points.

Presbyterian got a game-high 13 points from Carter and overcame its turnover woes by converting Gardner-Webb's miscues into 24 points. Johnson added 11 points, seven assists and five steals, Shamani Stafford scored nine points and Capley had eight points and six boards.

The Blue Hose shot 44.7 percent for the game (21-of-47) and held a +6 edge on the glass.

Gardner-Webb is back in action at 2:00 pm on Saturday, hosting USC Upstate in the first half of a Big South Conference doubleheader.