CHARLESTON, S.C.  – The Gardner-Webb University women's basketball team dropped a tight non-conference dual to the College of Charleston on Monday night, November 20 by a score of 90-78 in the TD Arena.
 
"I'm proud of how my team competed," said Head Coach Scott Merritt. "A lot of kids did some really good things tonight. Charleston did what they do well and they made shots all night. They have really good 1-on-1 players."
 
The Cougars opened the first quarter not allowing the 'Dawgs to step in front, and would hold the lead through the first 10 minutes. Gardner-Webb managed to cut the lead to three points with 5:56 remaining at 13-10 after two makes from graduate student forward Ramatoulaye Keita at the charity stripe. The Cougars fired back to move the margin to 11 points at 21-10 with 2:11 to go in the quarter. The 'Dawgs sliced the Cougar lead to single digits entering the second quarter at 23-15.
 
Gardner-Webb brought the score within two points at 23-21, after opening the quarter with a 6-0 scoring run. At 30-23 with 3:50 left in the half, two makes from behind the arc by freshman guard Lauren Bailey and a jumper by sophomore guard Nyla Walker off a turnover, gave Gardner-Webb its first lead of the contest at 31-30 with 1:48 on the clock. After the 8-0 run by the 'Dawgs, the Cougars stepped back in front going into halftime leading 34-31.
 
In the first few minutes of the third quarter, the College of Charleston bounced back and led by eight at 41-33. A three-point make and a fast-break layup by Walker cut the Cougar margin down to three at 41-38. Later with Charleston leading by 10 at 57-47, the 'Dawgs yet again cut the deficit to five points at 57-52 but the Cougars hopped back in front going into the fourth quarter at 64-52.
 
 
The College of Charleston jumped ahead by 17 after a three-pointer at 69-52, leading to a 22-12 run by the Runnin' Bulldogs. With 1:50 left in gametime, GWU held Charleston within seven at 81-74. After the Grace Pack three-pointer, the Cougars turned up the intensity and closed out any of the 'Dawgs chances, ultimately winning 90-78.
 
"We have to continue to work and get better, especially with our decision making, said Merritt."
 
NOTABLE STATS
Four Runnin' Bulldogs scored double-digits with Walker leading the 'Dawgs with a career-high 18 points, shooting 7-of-17 from the floor, dishing out six assists, and hauling in five rebounds. Junior guard Ashley Hawkins recorded her first double-double of the season, scoring 17 points and recording a single-game record 11 assists (tied with Jhessyka Williams against Presbyterian College on 1/11/23). She also grabbed six rebounds. Senior guard Micahla Funderburk and freshman guard Lauren Bailey scored 14 apiece, while Bailey picked up a career-high in points (14) and rebounds with seven. Gardner-Webb netted 10-of-11 free throws while the Cougars only hit 11-of-20. The 'Dawgs outscored the Cougars in bench points as well, 12-4.
 
UP NEXT
The Runnin' Bulldogs will take the week off but stay on the road for their next non-conference game this Sunday, Nov. 26 against UNC Greensboro. Tip-off is at 2:00 p.m. in Fleming Gymnasium.