BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.  – The Gardner-Webb University women's basketball team dropped their Saturday afternoon game against USC Upstate by a final score of 75-70. Ramatoulaye Keita recorded a double-double for the Runnin' Bulldogs despite the loss.
 
The opening 10 minutes saw the Runnin' Bulldogs and Spartans play very close in utilizing possessions. Following a one point 14-13 lead, USC Upstate heated up to begin the second quarter as Trinity Johnson generated several opportunities on GWU turnovers. Gardner-Webb closed the gap thanks to key three-pointers from Lauren Bailey, Ashley Hawkins, and Micahla Funderburk. Keita also led the 'Dawgs making key contributions all afternoon. The Spartans took a 34-28 lead into the half. USC Upstate extended their lead in the third quarter to t3 points. Late buckets from Trinity Moreland and Myla Walker kept the Runnin' Bulldogs hanging in around before USC Upstate ultimately pulled away to take the ballgame 78-59.
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
Keita recorded her first career double-double for the Runnin' Bulldogs tallying 13 points and 16 rebounds. She leads the 'Dawgs with 152 rebounds on the year. Hawkins led Gardner-Webb in scoring with 14 points adding to her already roster leading 298 points on the season. Additionally, Bailey tallied eight points with four rebounds, and Moreland
 
UP NEXT
The Runnin' Bulldogs return to the floor at the University of North Carolina Asheville on Jan. 31 at 6:30 p.m.