GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Gardner-Webb University women's basketball team was defeated by UNC Greensboro 64-47 in a defensive non-conference duel on Sunday afternoon, November 27 in the Fleming Gymnasium.
"I am pleased with our overall effort but we have to continue to work day in and day out so we can execute on both ends of the floor," said Head Coach Scott Merritt.
The Spartans would begin play aggressively, opening the contest with a 10-point lead in the first five minutes at 12-2. Gardner-Webb cut the deficit to eight but the UNC Greensboro answered back to lead by 14 heading into the second quarter. The second quarter would be the most defensive as both sides combined for 20 total points. GWU managed to shrink the Spartan lead to 11, but UNCG would finish the half with an 11-2 run and walk into the locker room with a score of 35-15.
Gardner-Webb would have its best scoring quarter in the third posting 17, but UNCG tallied 19 points to match the Runnin' Bulldog effort. A jumper by junior guard
Ashley Hawkins with 8:11 on the clock pulled the 'Dawgs within 16 points at 37-21. The 'Dawgs cut the Spartan lead below 20 points again at 59-40 with 4:08, but it would not be enough as UNC Greensboro would pull away 64-47.
"Greensboro did a great job of taking Hawkins out of the game," said Merritt. "We need her to be able to attack and make plays."
NOTABLE STATS
Senior guard
Micahla Funderburk led the pack with 10 points, securing her third double-digit scoring affair of the season. Sophomores
Nyla Walker and
Grace Pack tailed Funderburk with seven points apiece. Graduate student
Ramatoulaye Keita handled the boards with nine grabs. The Spartans managed to limit Hawkins below double-digit points for the first time this season. Gardner-Webb outscored the Spartans on points off turnovers (10-8) and fast break points (11-7). GWU shot 13-of-17 from the charity stripe while UNCG knocked down 10-of-17.
UP NEXT
The Runnin' Bulldogs return to the Paul Porter Arena for their matchup with non-conference opponent Furman University this Wednesday, Nov. 29. Tip-off is at 7:00 p.m. on the Eddie Holbrook Court in Boiling Springs.
