ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Gardner-Webb (3-20, 1-7) men's basketball dropped a 69-50 decision at UNC Asheville (10-12, 4-4) on Thursday evening inside Kimmel Arena.

Freshman Spence Sims led Gardner-Webb with 13 points to go along with a team-best seven rebounds. Sims knocked down 5-of-7 shots, including 2-for-3 from distance coming off the bench. Sophomore Colin Hawkins chipped in eight points and two assists.

As a team, the Runnin' Bulldogs shot 38.5% (20-52) from the floor while connecting on six three-pointers. UNC Asheville won the rebounding battle over GWU, 38-30. The bench for the Dawgs was a bright spot on the evening, scoring 27 points.

Sophomore Jacob Hudson tallied a driving layup at the 16:06 mark of the opening half while bringing Gardner-Webb to within a single point, 7-6, early on. However, a quick 8-0 spurt by the Bulldogs extended the lead to 15-6 just two minutes later.

Asheville's DJ Patrick put the home team up 12 (27-15) with a make from distance and the Bulldogs never lost the double-digit lead heading into halftime leading 41-27.

UNC Asheville ran its advantage to a game-high 23 in the second half, 68-45 before the Runnin' Bulldogs closed the contest by scoring five of the final six points. However, it proved to be too little, too late as Asheville walked away with the Big South win.

The Runnin' Bulldogs will return to action on Monday, February 2, traveling to face the Buccaneers of Charleston Southern. Game time is set for 6 p.m.