SPARTANBURG, S.C. - The Gardner-Webb women's basketball team (12-17, 9-6 Big South) got a late three from junior guard Amina Gray, stealing a 52-51 road win at USC Upstate (10-19, 5-10 Big South)

In a low-scoring affair, something this Gardner-Webb team has become accustom to over the course of the season, the Runnin' Bulldogs were stingy on defense and did just enough on offense to get the win. GWU held USC Upstate to just 37.8% from the floor, including a mark of just 36.3% in the fourth quarter

The Runnin' Bulldogs managed a 12-9 lead through one quarter, book-ending the frame with three pointers in the first and final minute. Redshirt senior guard Jaelyn Acker hit her first inside the opening 15 seconds of the game, before freshman forward Sara Menendez continued to shoot lights out against USC Upstate, connecting with 41 seconds to play. After 18 USC Upstate points in the second, GWU trailed 27-22 at halftime

Gardner-Webb eventually took a 42-41 lead into the fourth. The Runnin' Bulldogs capitalized on 21 field goal attempts, hitting eight including four three pointers, while holding the Spartans to just 3-of-8 total for the frame.

In a low-scoring fourth, the excitement came late. Gray got free to knock down the game-winner with 26 seconds left but not without some serious help. After a miss, junior forward Amira Ofunniyin made a terrific play to keep the ball in play, finding freshman forward Makayla Legette to set up another chance. Legette then found Acker at the top of the key, who found an open Gray who splashed in the go-ahead basket. It was the only points scored by either team in the final 3:15 of the ball game

As mentioned, Gray was excellent and put the team on her back. Gray scored a game-high 25 points, knocked down 9-of-17 field goal attempts, including a blistering 7-of-11 from three and the game-winner

UP NEXT
The Runnin' Bulldogs welcome Radford to Paul Porter Arena for the 2025-26 regular season finale on February 28th, with tip-off set for 2 pm