BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. - The Gardner-Webb women's basketball team (2-8, 0-0 Big South) trailed visiting Appalachian State (6-2, 0-0 Sun Belt) by as many as 20 on Monday night, rallying to get within eight points late before a 63-53 home defeat

Despite being up against what to this point in the season has been one of the best defensive teams in college basketball, the Runnin' Bulldogs got off to a strong start on Monday night, down just 20-16 through one quarter. GWU found itself in an 8-0 hole after just 2:02 of game time, but rallied to eventually tie the game at 16. Part of what turned into a career night, junior guard Amina Gray paced the Dawgs with five early points

Appalachian State was able to show off its defense in the second, outscoring the Runnin' Bulldogs 22-6 and giving Gardner-Webb a 20-point deficit to try and overcome. GWU had its chances, but shot just 3-of-16 in the frame compared to a 9-for-12 mark by the Mountaineers. Through 20 minutes, Gardner-Webb trailed 42-22

Gardner-Webb flipped the script in the third, holding App State to just seven points. The Runnin' Bulldogs were able to counter with some sharp outside shooting, with redshirt senior guard Jaelyn Acker and freshman guard Makayla Legette each cashing in from long range. From down 20, Gardner-Webb inched closer, down 49-36 after three

Again the Runnin' Bulldogs swarmed defensively in the fourth quarter, holding App State to just three made field goals. The free throw line would be the key however, where the Mountaineers eventually iced the game with a 7-of-13 mark down the stretch. It was a strong effort by GWU late in the contest however, with Gardner-Webb getting as close as eight with 2:48 to go after junior forward Amira Ofunniyin knocked down a jumper for a 56-48 score. App State would be held without a field goal over the final 4:20, but Gardner-Webb was unable to mount one last late push in a 63-53 defeat

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
Gardner-Webb forced App State into 19 turnovers, leading to 21 points, the Runnin' Bulldogs also held a 10-9 edge on the offensive glass, and as a team shot a solid 10-of-15 at the free throw line

LEADERS
Gray continued an excellent run of form since mid-November, scoring a career-high and game-high 22 points on eight made field goals, Acker added 11 on two made three pointers, Ofunniyin posted 10 points and six rebounds, while Legette finished a solid individual game with five points, four rebounds, four assists

UP NEXT
Gardner-Webb is back home on Thursday, December 4th to host Wofford at 7 pm inside Paul Porter Arena