NORFOLK, Va. – Anthony Selden's three-point shot at the buzzer was off the mark and Gardner-Webb dropped a 44-43 heartbreaker on the road at Old Dominion Saturday night.

It was Gardner-Webb's third loss on the road this season that came down to the final possession. The Runnin' Bulldogs (2-7) and Monarchs (7-4) engaged in a tough, physical contest throughout, with neither team able to top 30 percent from the floor.

Gardner-Webb, strong defensively this season, held the hosts to just 15.6 percent shooting in the second half (5-of-32) and 26.3 percent for the game. The Runnin' Bulldogs led 43-41 after a pair of free throws from Anthony Selden with 3:05 to play and clamped down on the defensive end over the next two minutes to maintain that lead.

A flurry on the offensive glass with less than a minute to play allowed Imo Essien to launch a three just before the shot clock and the ball went through the net with 41.3 seconds remaining for a 44-43 advantage.

Gardner-Webb got into the lane on its next possession when DQ Nicholas drove to the hoop and drew contact. The original blocking foul call was overturned by replay, giving Old Dominon the ball back with 27.6 seconds to play.

The Runnin' Bulldogs applied pressure in the backcourt and forced a turnover, firing up the GWU bench and setting up another chance to go in front. Selden got a clean driving lane, but was cut off – and an offensive foul was whistled with 19.2 seconds left to give ODU the ball once again.

Old Dominion was fouled to extend the game and Chauncey Jenkins missed a pair of free throws to keep Gardner-Webb alive. Ludovic Dufeal snatched the defensive board on the second miss and Gardner-Webb called timeout to set up a play. Selden got in the lane for a contested shot that missed, but Gardner-Webb retained possession with 2.9 seconds left after an Old Dominion rebound and travel.

That set up one final chance, with Selden's jumper just off the mark.

Gardner-Webb shot 27.8 percent from the floor Saturday (15-of-54), but made good on 11-of-15 free throws (73.3 percent) and held a large rebounding edge (51-41). Kareem Reid led the way with 12 points and 10 rebounds and Selden scored nine. Dufeal corralled 13 rebounds.

Old Dominion scored 16 points off of Gardner-Webb turnovers, but made just 9-of-22 free throws (40.9 percent). Mekhi Long led the Monarchs with 12 points.

Gardner-Webb returns home on Wednesday night to host Carolina University of Winston-Salem at 7:00 pm in Paul Porter Arena.