BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – A late 6-0 run by Longwood doomed the Runnin' Bulldogs, as Gardner-Webb would fall to the visiting Lancers by a score of 84-80 in Big South Conference action on Friday evening inside Paul Porter Arena.
 
Gardner-Webb (7-12, 7-7 Big South) led Longwood (12-8, 11-4 Big South) by a 73-72 margin with 2:39 to go in the game after a layup by Jhesskya Williams capped a quick 10-0 run by the Runnin' Bulldogs.
 
Longwood responded with a pair of free throws by Tra'dayja Smith on its next possession to reclaim the lead, sparking a 6-0 run to build a five-point lead with 1:24 remaining.
 
The Runnin' Bulldogs pulled back within one point with 36 seconds left after a three-point basket by Alasia Smith set the score at 80-79, but the Lancers would knock down four free throws in the final seconds to claim the 84-80 overall win.
 
Williams led the Runnin' Bulldogs offensively with 25 points on 9-of-16 shooting, along with five steals.  Smith and Alexis Hueston each had 15 points on the night.
 
Longwood was led by Kyla McMakin with 25 points on a 7-of-14 outing, while Tra'dayja and Akila Smit had 19 and 18 points respectively.
 
Gardner-Webb was 30-of-75 (40.0 percent) on the night and 7-of-28 (25.0 percent) from long distance.  Longwood made 26-of-56 attempts (46.4 percent) for the evening, including 7-of-22 (31.8 percent) from beyond the arc.
 
Both teams will square off again tomorrow afternoon.  Senior Day festivities will be held before the game, in which seniors Gabrielle Caponegro, Alexis Hueston, and Nia Lee will be honored.  The contest is set for a 4:00 pm start time with live coverage on ESPN+ (WatchESPN.com / ESPN App).