CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Gardner-Webb (5-9, 0-1) men's basketball team opened Big South Conference play with a 72-63 loss at the hands of Charleston Southern (5-11, 1-0) on Thursday afternoon inside the Buc Dome.
 
The Runnin' Bulldogs placed four players in double-digits, led by 12 points from senior forward Ademide Badmus. Darryl Simmons II and Jamaine Mann chipped in 11 points each while graduate guard Anthony Selden finished with 10.
 
Gardner-Webb jumped out to a quick start, scoring eight of the game's first nine points as the 'Dawgs owned the paint with three close range baskets. However, Charleston Southern shook off early woeful shooting, taking its first lead of the game (14-13) following a three-pointer from DJ Patrick.
 
Mann pushed the Runnin' Bulldogs back ahead with a tough layup against two defenders, but CSU created separation, opening a double-digit lead following a 16-5 run that spanned seven minutes of game action. RJ Johnson closed the half for Charleston Southern with a layup, sending the Buccaneers into the break leading 36-24.
 
After the lead was pushed to 38-24, Gardner-Webb used a quick 13-4 burst to pull within six at 42-37 with 12:21 on the second half clock. However. The Buccaneers continued to apply pressure to the GWU defense, extending the lead back to 52-41 after split free throws from Johnson and Taje Kelly.
 
The Runnin' Bulldogs were able to trim the deficit to four (54-50), tallying nine of the next 11 but five in a row from the home team regained control of the game for Charleston Southern. GWU pulled to within 65-59, but that was as close as the score would get down the stretch as the Buccaneers shut the door on the comeback bid, prevailing 72-63.
 
Gardner-Webb will return to the hardwood on Saturday, January 4 as it plays host to Presbyterian in the home conference opener. Game time is set for 2 p.m. inside Paul Porter Arena.