NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Gardner-Webb flexed its defensive muscle over the final five minutes of Tuesday's season opener, limiting Vanderbilt to just three points down the stretch, but the Runnin' Bulldogs dropped a 75-59 decision in Music City.

Trailing 72-50 with after a Vanderbilt basket with 5:21 left, Gardner-Webb closed the gap quickly – going on a 9-0 run to trail by just 13 points after a bucket by Layken Cox made the score 72-59 with 2:27 to play.

Gardner-Webb (0-1) had two chances to cut into the lead further, and Vanderbilt (1-0) finally halted the run when Brylee Bartram nailed a three with 49 seconds to play. That bucket would provide the final margin.

Gardner-Webb's defensive pressure forced seven turnovers in the final 10 minutes and limited the Commodores to just 3-of-10 shooting from the floor in the final quarter.

Vanderbilt opened the game on a 14-2 run and was able to hold onto a double figures lead for the rest of the first half. The home team went inside with success, scoring 24 points in the paint to build a 37-22 lead at halftime. Gardner-Webb's defense produced 13 turnovers over the first 20 minutes, but the 'Dogs converted those miscues into just three points. Those numbers improved in the second half as GWU made its late move to get closer.

Jhessyka Williams led Gardner-Webb with 22 points on the night, making 8-of-15 shots from the floor. She added eight rebounds and five steals in 34 minutes of action and knocked down a pair of long range shots. Alasia Smith added 10 points and six rebounds for the Runnin' Bulldogs on 4-of-7 shooting. Ki'ari Cain added seven points and six assists in a strong overall floor game.

Gardner-Webb shot 38.6 percent from the floor and made 6-of-25 from deep in the game (24.0 percent). The high-pressure defensive attack forced 23 turnovers (10 steals).

Vanderbilt shot 49.1 percent in the game despite its late drought and made a living at the free throw line, making 18 of its 22 chances. Gardner-Webb went to the line just 13 times and made nine. Brinae Alexander led the Commodores with 20 points, pacing a group of five players in double figures scoring.

Gardner-Webb will continue its three-game road swing on Thursday night, traveling to the University of Georgia. Opening tip is set for 7:00 pm on SECNetwork+.

For the latest on Gardner-Webb Women's Basketball, follow @GWU_WBK on social media or visit GWUSports.com.