BOILING SPRINGS – DQ Nicholas converted a three-point play with 15.5 seconds left and Gardner-Webb beat NC Central 72-70 Saturday afternoon in Paul Porter Arena.

After Nicholas' trifecta, Gardner-Webb (4-7) had one last strong defensive possession, forcing a contested shot that was off the mark just before the final horn.

The Runnin' Bulldogs came alive late in the first half to lead 40-30 at intermission and held a 65-56 lead with 5:27 left after Caleb Robinson drove for a layup late. The Eagles (5-7) responded with a quick 6-0 run to pull closer – part of an eventual 12-4 spurt that saw the visitors surge in front 70-69 on an Eric Boone free throw with 31.4 seconds remaining.

That set up a big offensive possession for Gardner-Webb and Nicholas delivered, driving to the rim for a layup to put GWU up 71-70. His free throw put the Runnin' Bulldogs up 72-70.

The Eagles called a timeout with 13.3 seconds left to set up a final play, but Justin Wright's shot in traffic was off the mark and the ball went out of bounds as the horn sounded.

Robinson led Gardner-Webb with 16 points, going 5-of-10 from the floor with six rebounds and three steals. Nicholas and Kareem Reid each had 15 points and Anthony Selden scored nine to lead the Runnin' Bulldogs.

Robinson scored 10 of his points in the second half, including several key buckets to keep Gardner-Webb in front.

Ludovic Dufeal had four points in the middle to go with six rebounds and swatted away five shots. Gardner-Webb blocked nine shots in the game, had eight steals and scored 22 points off of Eagles' turnovers.

Gardner-Webb shot 48.0 percent for the game (26-of-54) and held a 35-28 edge on the backboards against the taller Eagles.

NC Central got 19 points from 7-footer Brendan Medley-Bacon, 15 points from Marque Maultsby and 12 from Wright in the loss. The Eagles shot 47.3 percent (26-of-55) and made 13-of-18 free throws.

Gardner-Webb will be back in action on Monday morning, hosting Bob Jones in an Education Day Game at 11:00.