BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. — Gardner-Webb (3-24, 1-11) men's basketball battled for 40 minutes but ultimately fell to first-place High Point (24-4, 12-1), 112–87, Saturday afternoon at Paul Porter Arena in Big South action.

The Runnin' Bulldogs kept pace early, shooting 50 percent from the floor in the opening half, but High Point used its depth and efficiency to build a 48–37 advantage at the break. Although Gardner-Webb battled throughout the game, the Panthers pulled away in the second half behind a 64-point outburst and wide rebounding margin.

Jacob Hudson led Gardner-Webb with 20 points on an efficient 6-of-8 shooting performance, adding two rebounds and an assist. Ace Talbert finished with 17 points, knocking down five three-pointers, while Colin Hawkins chipped in 15 points and four assists. Jamias Ferere and Jacob Hogarth each added 12 points to round out the Bulldogs' balanced scoring effort.

Gardner-Webb shot 57.4 percent from the field and 50 percent from three-point range but was limited to just 15 total rebounds and struggled to slow High Point's transition attack. The Panthers converted 20 fast-break points and turned second-chance opportunities into 15 points.

Despite the final score, the Runnin' Bulldogs showed grit throughout the contest, continuing to attack offensively and pushing the tempo in the second half. Gardner-Webb outscored High Point during several stretches after halftime and forced multiple turnovers that led to scoring chances.

Gardner-Webb returns to action on Tuesday, February 17, traveling to Charleston Southern for a makeup contest that was rescheduled earlier in the season due to winter weather. Tip for that contest is slated for 6 p.m.