ASHEVILLE, N.C. – A strong opening quarter by the Runnin' Bulldogs propelled Gardner-Webb to a 76-56 win over UNC Asheville in Big South Conference play Friday afternoon inside Kimmel Arena.
 
Gardner-Webb (10-12, 10-7 Big South) used a 10-2 run midway through the first period to claim the lead from UNC Asheville (10-12, 9-8 Big South) and expanded its lead to ten points as Alexis Hueston knocked down the final bucket of the frame to set the score at 22-12.
 
The Runnin' Bulldogs pushed their lead to as many as 16 points in the second quarter after a three-pointer by Emma Capps with 3:39 on the clock set the score at 41-25 and would go on to lead by 14 points, 42-28, at the half.
 
Asheville attempted to rally in the third period, opening the frame with a 12-5 run to pull within seven points of GWU's lead at 47-40 with 4:24 to go, but the Runnin' Bulldogs remained in control, expanding its lead back to 14 points on a late three-pointer by Ki'Ari Cain to take a 57-43 advantage into the final quarter.
 
GWU controlled the fourth period, outscoring UNC Asheville by a 19-13 margin in the frame.  The 'Dogs led by as much as 21 points with 1:22 to go after a made basket by Lauren Bevis and would go on to take a 20-point victory, 76-56.
 
Gardner-Webb was 30-of-73 (41.1 percent) from the floor on the day, including 11-of-27 (40.7 percent) from beyond the arc.  UNC Asheville was 22-of-58 (37.9 percent) for the game, including 5-of-19 (26.3 percent) from long distance. 
 
The Runnin' Bulldogs took advantage of 23 Asheville turnovers, scoring 22 points, while GWU only committed 13 miscues that led to seven points for UNCA.
 
GWU had three scorers in double digits, led by Jhessyka Williams with 20 points on 8-of-13 shooting.  Bevis followed with 18 points on a 6-of-13 effort, including 4-of-9 from three-point range.  Alasia Smith added 14 points on 6-of-10 shooting and pulled down seven rebounds.
 
UNC Asheville was led offensively by Nadria Evans with 20 points on 9-of-15 shooting.  Kai Carter followed with 19 points on a 7-of-14 effort.
 
Gardner-Webb returns home to close out the 2020-21 regular season at home, hosting Radford in a two-games series beginning Tuesday, March 2.  Both games will be broadcast live on ESPN+ (WatchESPN.com / ESPN App).