HIGH POINT, N.C. – Gardner-Webb improved to 2-0 in conference play after defeating High Point in their first road contest of Big South play. This marks back-to-back seasons for the Runnin' Bulldogs with a pair of wins to begin the conference slate.
HPU claimed an quick lead during the afternoon, but a 10-0 run by the 'Dogs over a two-minute stretch early in the game to claim an 18-10 edge. GWU increased the margin to double digits less than ten minutes after less than ten minutes into the contest.
The Panthers hung in during the first half and were able to tie the game at 29. For the rest of the opening frame, the teams traded the lead with High Point with the Panthers heading into the break leading 39-38.
Gardner-Webb stormed out to an 11-3 run to start the second half to reclaim the lead. GWU extended their lead to double digits with 13 minutes to play as they lead 58-48. The Panthers closed the gap and regained the lead after a 10-0 scoring run. The teams traded the lead again for the next couple of minutes and they tried to gain the advantage.
With three minutes left to play, Jaden House hit a pair of free throws to tie the game at 70. On the ensuing possession,
Caleb Robinson had the go-ahead layup to put the 'Dogs.
The team's defense held the Panthers scoreless for the next two minutes and was able to convert a Lucas Steeber three-pointer and Robinson free throw to bring the lead to six points. Gardner-Webb's
DQ Nicholas and
Anthony Selden each hit free throws down the stretch to hold on for the win.
The Runnin' Bulldogs had five players finish in double figures with Selden leading the team with 15.
Kareem Reid, Robinson, and Steeber each finished with 12 while Nicholas had 10. Steeber went 4-6 from behind the arc en route to his season high.
Quest Aldridge hit on three of his attempts from deep for nine on the afternoon.
Nicholas led the team in assists finishing with five as six different players had at least two. Selden nearly picked up another double-double as he finished with nine boards. He also swatted away a pair of shots on the defensive end and teammate
Ludovic Dufeal blocked four.
Gardner-Webb will look for their sixth consecutive win as they travel to Campbell (0-2) on Wednesday, January 4 in another key Big South matchup early in the conference season.
