BERKELEY, Calif. – Jhessyka Williams poured in 26 points and four Gardner-Webb starters hit double figures to lead the Runnin' Bulldogs past Arkansas-Pine Bluff, 81-71, Sunday afternoon at the 2022 Raise The B.A.R. Invitational powered by Cal.

Gardner-Webb (6-3) led 42-20 at halftime and used a 20-8 run to seize complete control of the game in the third quarter. Williams powered that run, scoring eight of her points during that six-minute stretch.

The Augusta, Ga., redshirt senior scored her 1,500th career point on her first bucket of the day and finished with a crisp performance – 9-of-11 from the floor, 8-of-8 from the free throw line and seven rebounds in 30 minutes of play.

Alasia Smith added 19 points and 10 rebounds, Lauren Bevis scored 12 and Ki'Ari Cain came through with 10 points to pace Gardner-Webb. Bevis' bucket with 2:48 to play in the game gave her 1,000 points for her career at GWU.

Layken Cox scored nine points before fouling out, part of a physical contest that saw 46 fouls whistled combined. Gardner-Webb took full avantage, making 21-of-24 free throws (87.5 percent) and owning a 40-37 edge on the glass despite a size disadvantage in the paint.

Coach Alex Simmons' team trailed for just 3:06 on Sunday.

Gardner-Webb shot 46.8 percenf from the floor (29-of-62) and held UAPB to just 34.4 percent shooting in the second half.

The Golden Lions saw 12 different players score in Sunday's game, but only Markisha Body (11 points) and Jelissa Reese (10 points) reached double figures. Reese added nine boards. 

Gardner-Webb will have eight days off for exams and will return to action on Monday, December 12 at VCU. Opening tip is set for 6:00 pm in Richmond, Va. (ESPN+). Phil Constantino and Jim "Mojo" Morrison will be on site for the radio call on ESPNCLT.com.