BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.  – The Gardner-Webb University men's basketball team dropped their Big South home opener on Wednesday night to Charleston Southern University by a final score of 86-74. The Runnin' Bulldogs fell behind by as many as 21 before battling to come within nine points down the stretch. The Buccaneers were able to hang on for the victory.
 
"Lots of credit to Charleston Southern for the way they executed today.", said coach Craft. "This is a very disappointing loss, but I was certainly proud of our players for continuing to fight back to cut into the lead late in the game, and get it back to single digits. We have strong leadership in our locker room and we will continue to work to improve so that we will be ready to bounce back and compete on Saturday."
 
The Runnin' Bulldogs and went back-and-forth with the Buccaneers over the first 10 minutes with the game sitting tied 13-13. CSU went on a 5-2 run to hold a 20-15 lead for the next two minutes. Gardner-Webb was able to stay within single digit possessions thanks to key buckets and solid free-throw shooting by Julien Soumaoro, DQ Nicholas, and Lucas Stieber. Late half threes gave Charleston Southern a 39-30 lead at the half.
 
Following an early six point run by the 'Dawgs, CSU extended their lead to their largest of the game to 21 by the 7:21 minute mark. From their Gardner-Webb mounted an 11-point comeback that saw the Runnin' Bulldogs pull within nine and 12 for the rest of game. Despite the 'Dawgs keeping the pressure on including strong second half from Ademide Badmus, the Buccaneers held on for the 86-74 win.
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
Five different 'Dawgs tallied double digits in the ballgame with Soumaoro leading Gardner-Webb with 16 points. He continues to lead the team with 240. Quest Aldridge (13), Nicholas (12), Badmus (12), and Caleb Robinson (11) all joined him scoring double-digits as well. Robinson also led the 'Dawgs in rebounding with seven. He's at 97 rebounds on the season that leads the squad.
 
UP NEXT
The Runnin' Bulldogs will be back at home in Paul Porter Arena on Saturday, Jan. 13 hosting Presbyterian College at 1:00 p.m.