MONCTON, New Brunswick – The Gardner-Webb University men's basketball team got the Atlantic Slam underway on Friday evening defeating Weber State University by a final score of 62-61. The Runnin' Bulldogs came from behind for the victory as Julien Soumaoro scored a new career high.
 
"It was a really gritty 40 minutes by our group.", said coach Craft. "They really believe and trust each other. Not our best night in a lot of ways but proud of this team for finding a way."

The game got off to a slow start as Gardner-Webb's Julien Soumaoro and Brendan Mykalcio putting up a pair of buckets providing a 4-0 lead in the first four minutes. Weber State began to heat up answering with a 16-6 run over the next five minutes as Dillon Jones jump started the scoring for the Wildcats. Soumaoro and DQ Nicholas provided key shots to allow the Runnin' Bulldogs to stay within 10 points of Weber State until the 5:33 minute mark. The 'Dawgs began to close the gap in the closing minutes of the half on a 8-5 run as Julien Soumaoro hit back-to-back threes, Caleb Robinson added a scoop and score of his own. Weber State led 34-27 at the break.
 
Both teams stepped up on defense to open the second half leading to another slow offensive start. Dillon Jones allowed the Wildcats to keep their foot on the gas in the first seven minutes of the half. Julien Sourmaoro stayed hot for the Runnin' Bulldogs hitting a three-pointer at the 13:43 minute mark and a jumper at the 10:54 minute mark to close the Weber State led to just two. Caleb Robinson then scored off a turnover to tie the game 43-43. Dillon Jones built the lead back up for the Wildcats leading the team in scoring down the stretch. The Runnin' Bulldogs stayed neck-and-neck with Weber State until Soumaoro hit a three in the final 52 seconds to bring the game to one point. After some great 'Dawg defense, Caleb Robinson hit the go ahead lay-up to make in 60-59 Gardner-Webb. After a pair of Weber State free throws, Darryl Simmons II dished it to Brendan MyKalcio for another go ahead lay-up. The Runnin' Bulldogs hung on to win 62-61.

"It was a great game by Julien and Caleb.", added coach Craft. "Julien has been really consistent and efficient all preseason and he was terrific tonight."
 
NOTABLES
Junior guard Julien Soumaoro turned in a career performance scoring a new career high of 27 points leading both squads. He went 10-13 from the floor, 5-8 from deep and 2-4 from the stripe, with four assists. It was his third double-digit game in a row. Caleb Robinson recorded 16 on the evening for his third double-digit night of the season thus far. He led the 'Dawgs in rebounds with seven. Ademide Badmus was right behind him in rebounds with six. Brendan Mykalcio was the third leading scorer with six. As a team Gardner-Webb shot 56.5% from the floor.
 
UP NEXT
The Runnin' Bulldogs continue play in the Atlantic Slam against Colgate University on Saturday, Nov. 18 at 4 p.m., and Yale University on Sunday, Nov. 19 at 3 p.m. Gardner-Webb will return to Paul Porter Arena on Nov. 25 for a 1:00 p.m. tip off against Limestone University.