BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – Gardner-Webb's comeback effort late in the fourth quarter fell short, as the Runnin' Bulldogs fell to visiting Hampton by a 46-38 score inside Paul Porter Arena on New Year's Eve.
 
Gardner-Webb (2-7, 2-2 Big South) trailed Hampton (1-5, 1-3 Big South) by a 37-29 score as play headed to the final period, but the 'Dogs would quickly trim the deficit to four points with 8:43 on the clock, with Alasia Smith and Laura Kozo each draining a pair of free throws.
 
The Pirates pushed their lead back to six points with 5:09 remaining after a made free throw by Alexis Wooden.  Neither team scored again over the next 2:39 until Gabrielle Caponegro connected from mid-range with 2:30 to go to again bring GWU within four points at 39-35.
 
Victoria Mason would make one free throw for Hampton in the team's following possession, but Gardner-Webb would respond on its next trip down the court as Lauren Bevis drilled a deep three pointer to trim GWU's deficit to 40-38 with 1:48 on the clock.
 
Hampton closed the door on Gardner-Webb's comeback attempt with 47 seconds to go, with Nas Nigatu knocking down a three-point basket at the top of the key.  The Pirates would also make three free throws in the final seconds, while also preventing GWU from scoring over the final possessions of the contest to set the score at 46-38.
 
GWU made just 20.0 percent (12-of-60) of its attempts from the floor on the afternoon, including 4-of-23 from long distance.  Hampton shot at a 30.6 percent (15-of-49) clip, and was 2-of-7 from beyond the arc.  The Runnin' Bulldogs won the battle on the glass, 51-40, but Hampton took advantage of 20 GWU turnovers, scoring 18 points, while the 'Dogs scored 11 points on 20 Pirate miscues.
 
Smith nearly posted a double-double with nine points and 10 rebounds on the afternoon to lead the Runnin' Bulldogs.  Caponegro followed with eight points and 10 boards.
 
The Pirates were led on the day by Nigatu with 13 points on 4-of-11 shooting, including 2-of-2 from long distance.
 
Gardner-Webb returns to action Monday evening at Charleston Southern.  Tip-off is slated for 7:00 pm from the Buccaneer Fieldhouse, with live coverage on ESPN+ (WatchESPN.com / ESPN App).