ELON, N.C. – Gardner-Webb fell short in an in-state battle at Elon on Saturday night, falling 30-24 in another tight contest.

The Runnin' Bulldogs (1-2) stormed back from a 20-3 deficit in the second quarter and led 24-20 at halftime. Elon (2-1) came through with a touchdown in the third quarter to retake the lead and tacked on a field goal for what wound up the final margin.

Seven of Gardner-Webb's last nine losses have come by either one possession or in the closing moments of the game – including a pair of one-possession losses on the road this season.

After a frustrating second half that saw Gardner-Webb gain just 69 yards, the Runnin' Bulldogs had a pair of chances late to regain the lead.

The Runnin' Bulldogs got the ball back on a fumble at its own 27-yard line with 2:20 left, but Elon registered three consecutive sacks to pin GWU back a the nine. A long punt gave the ball back to the Phoenix and Gardner-Webb forced a punt with 49 seconds remaining. 

Nick Hunter nearly blocked the attempt, but Jeff Yurk stepped out of the tackle box and got off a short kick. Gardner-Webb took over at its own 41 with 41 seconds left, and Elon's defense turned up the heat once again – forcing an intentional grounding call that resulted in its fourth sack in four consecutive snaps. Fisher hit Karim Page for a long gain to set up 3rd and short, but a holding penalty that resulted in a wild play with several laterals ended the game.

Fisher was harassed heavily all game, finishing 21-of-38 for 221 yards and a pair of touchdowns – both in the first half. With six sacks included, the 'Dogs could not make a dent in the run game with All-America back Narii Gaither sidelined for a second-straight game with an injury.

Gardner-Webb had 275 yards on 71 plays offensively, but just 54 yard rushing on 33 attempts. Donovan Jones led the effort with 39 yards and a score on nine attempts. Cutrell Haywood caught eight passes for 89 yards, Deland Thomas had a 10-yard touchdown catch and TJ Luther had a 33-yard touchdown catch to give GWU the lead just before halftime.

Charlie Jackson and Janathian Turner led the defense with nine tackles each. William McRainey added eight hits and an interception. Jackson and Tyler Arrington each recovered fumbles. GWU did limit Elon to a 2-for-12 effort on third down, but the Phoenix held the football for 35:05 to control the possession advantage.

Elon piled up 474 yards offensively, with transfer quarterback Matthew McKay going 16-of-23 for 260 yards and three touchdowns. Jalen Hampton led an effective ground attack, carrying 34 times for 168 yards and two fumbles.

Defensive lineman Josh Johnson had 2.5 of Elon's six sacks and linebacker Marcus Hillman joined Jamir Malone with eight tackles to lead a strong team effort on that side of the ball.

Gardner-Webb will face another challenge next weekend, hosting No. 20 Mercer at 6:00 pm on September 24 in Ernest W. Spangler Stadium as part of Family Weekend in Boiling Springs. The Bears (2-1) knocked off the CItadel 17-0 Saturday night in Macon, Ga. 

Fans can purchase tickets online at GWUSports.com or by calling (704) 406-4340.