FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.  – The Gardner-Webb University men's basketball team came up short against the #14 University of Arkansas Razorbacks on Friday night by a final score of 86-68. The game was highlighted by a strong first half performance from the Runnin' Bulldogs that saw Arkansas pull away in the second half.
 
"We had a good start to the game and I am proud of the guys for that.", said coach Craft. "We did a lot of good things tonight. We have got to learn from the things we didn't do well. Hopefully we will be able to take a lot of good things away from this game. Unfortunately, it kind of got away from us in the last three minutes of the first half. We did not have a great start down 12. We tried to cut into that lead and we just weren't able to do it. Part of the game plan we did really well. Taking care of the ball was a huge emphasis. Our goal was five turnovers a half, we had 10 for the game so we hit that. Unfortunately, our shot selection wasn't what it needed to be. Off balanced shots around the rim and they blocked 15 shots and that left us at 34.7% for the game."
 
The 'Dawgs were off and Runnin' in the opening four minutes of the ballgame going on a 10-4 run. Caleb Robinson came out hot tallying seven of those points. A two by Shahar Lazar and a three from Quest Aldridge allowed Gardner-Webb to build a 13-7 lead before the Razorbacks began to close in. A back and forth ensued for the next 10 minutes sitting tied 20-20 with 9:07 remaining in the first half. Julien Soumaoro made contributions in this stretch for the 'Dawgs while Khalif Battle heated up for Arkansas. With 5:05 left in the first Razorbacks began a 14-3 run to close it out and hold a 48-36 lead at halftime.
 
The Hogs continued to extend their lead in the second half going on a 15-5 run by the4 13:31 mark highlighted by performances by Tramon Mark and Trevon Brazile. Gardner-Webb continued to battle against Arkansas late in the game with Caleb Robinson, Julien Soumaoro and Cheickna Sissoko all posting double digit nights. The Runnin' Bulldogs closed out the game on an 8-0 run falling by an 86-68 final.
 
NOTABLES
Caleb Robinson led the 'Dawgs in scoring netting 18 points. This was his second double-digit performance in a row. He also pulled in seven rebounds and went 6-8 from the stripe. Julien Soumaoro dropped 15 points making a trio of three pointers. Cheickna Sissoko recorded 10 points for his first double-digit performance for Gardner-Webb. He remains perfect from the free throw line going 8-8 so far this year.
 
UP NEXT
The Runnin' Bulldogs continue their first road trip of the season on Sunday, Nov. 12 against No. 20 Baylor University at 5:00 p.m.