BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. - Gardner-Webb had three scorers in double-digits as the Runnin' Bulldogs cruised to a 67-45 win over visiting Charleston Southern in Big South Conference women's basketball action Saturday afternoon inside Paul Porter Arena.
 
Gardner-Webb (11-9, 6-5 Big South) took control of the contest early, outscoring Charleston Southern (3-17, 1-10) by a 19-2 margin in the opening eight minutes of action.  GWU led by a 25-5 margin as the opening frame ended, which saw the 'Dogs drain six three-point baskets in the quarter.
 
The Runnin' Bulldogs pushed their lead to 24 points with 5:36 on the clock in the second period after a layup and free throw by Jhessyka Williams, and would lead by 20, 40-20, at halftime.
 
Both teams traded baskets throughout the third quarter, with GWU ending the period with a quick 5-0 spurt in the final second to lead by 22 at 54-32 as play headed to the final stanza.
 
GWU's run continued at the onset of the fourth period, scoring eight unanswered points to take a game-high 30-point lead at 62-32, which led to a Charleston Southern timeout with 7:44 on the clock.  CSU finished the quarter with a 13-5 run to set the final margin at 22 points, 67-45.
 
Ki'Ari Cain led all scorers with a career-high 15 points on 6-of-11 shooting, including 3-of-6 from long distance.  Savannah Plentovich followed with 14 points on a 4-of-8 performance that included three made three-point baskets, and Williams added 11 points on the day.
 
Gardner-Webb went 22-of-68 (32.4 percent) from the floor, including 12-of-35 (34.3 percent) from beyond the arc.
 
Charleston Southern was led in scoring by Tori Gittens with 10 points on 3-of-8 shooting.
 
The Buccaneers were 15-of-45 (33.3 percent) from the floor, and went 4-of-14 (28.6 percent) from long distance.
 
The Runnin' Bulldogs capitalized on Charleston Southern's 27 turnovers on the day, which led to 37 points.  GWU committed just 10 turnovers that led to only nine CSU points.
 
Gardner-Webb hits the road for its next contest, traveling to Radford on Tuesday, February 4.  Tip-off is slated for 6:00 pm with live coverage on ESPN+.