SPARTANBURG, S.C. –
Jaheam Cornwall scored 14 of his game-high 21 points in the second half and Gardner-Webb dominated play throughout in an 88-57 win at USC Upstate.
The 31 points marked the largest margin of victory this season for the Runnin' Bulldogs (9-14, 5-6 Big South) and was a game that saw GWU lead by as many as 34 points – and trail for only 28 seconds.
Gardner-Webb used an 18-4 run early in the first half to pull away and led by a 47-25 margin at halftime. The 'Dogs slowly pulled away and pushed the margin over 30 points by the midway point of the second half and were never threatened.
Cornwall finished the day 8-of-13 from the floor with a career-high eight rebounds.
Nate Johnson scored 12 of his 17 points in the opening half as he and
Ludovic Dufeal (11 points) sparked Gardner-Webb's big early lead.
Eric Jamison, Jr., finished with 16 points and
Justin Jenkins added 12 points off the bench for Gardner-Webb.
The Runnin' Bulldogs shot 56.5 percent from the floor (35-of-62), made 8-of-20 from long range and thoroughly owned the painted area.
Gardner-Webb outscored Upstate by a 48-18 mark in the paint, had 21 second-chance points and had a 22-8 edge in points off of turnovers.
Defensively, the visitors held the Spartans to a frigid 29.5 percent effort for the game (18-of-61) and forced 15 turnovers. Upstate got 18 points from Everette Hammond (12-of-13 at the free throw line) and 13 from Tommy Bruner.
Thomas Booker came off the bench to score eight points for the home team.
Gardner-Webb has little time to rest, as it begins a busy week on Monday night at home vs. High Point. The game will stream on ESPN3, with opening tip set for 7:00 pm in Paul Porter Arena.