HIGH POINT, N.C.  – The Gardner-Webb University women's basketball fell in the first round of the Big South Tournament Wednesday evening by a final score of 75-74. UNC Asheville ultimately defeated the Runnin' Bulldogs on a buzzer beating layup.
 
UNC Asheville got out in front early in the contest building an early eight-to-10-point cushion. Ashley Hawkins, Micahla Funderburk, and Anaya Harris kept Gardner-Webb within eight points to close the first half. Hawkins and Harris took over in the second half for the 'Dawgs. GWU did not allow the deficit to grow beyond eight points the rest fo the game. The final minute of the play saw GWU down six points when Hawkins hit a three pointer to make the score 70 to 67. After a few free throws, she did it again with 15 seconds left to make it 72-71. Following a 30 second timeout, Hawkins drained a layup off a rebound to tie the game at 73 drawing a UNC Asheville foul. Hawkins completed the three-point play giving GWU the 74-73 lead, and leaving Asheville with one final possession. Off the inbound McKinley Brooks-Sumpter went the length of the court to make the game winning layup at the buzzer giving UNC Asheville the 75-74 win. Hawkins tallied a season and career high 33 points despite the loss.
 
For more information on the Gardner-Webb women's basketball team, fans can follow the team on X at @GWU_WBK or on Instagram at @gwu_wbk.