BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. - Gardner-Webb (3-27, 1-14) men's basketball battled until the final horn Wednesday night inside Paul Porter Arena but fell just short in a 77-71 setback to UNC Asheville (14-15, 8-7) in Big South Conference play.

The Runnin' Bulldogs showed resilience throughout, leading 37-34 at halftime after a strong opening 20 minutes. Gardner-Webb shot an efficient 51.9 percent from the floor in the first half and got key contributions from the bench to seize momentum late in the period.

Jacob Hogarth paced the Dawgs with 13 points and seven rebounds, while Jacob Hudson added nine points. Spence Sims chipped in nine off the bench, and D.J. Jefferson contributed eight points and six rebounds as Gardner-Webb's reserves accounted for 40 of the team's 71 points.

The contest featured 10 ties and eight lead changes, reflecting a back-and-forth battle throughout the night. Gardner-Webb continued to attack the paint, matching Asheville with 32 points inside, and forced timely stops to stay within striking distance down the stretch.

Trailing by seven with just over two minutes to play, the Runnin' Bulldogs fought to close the gap, but Asheville capitalized at the free throw line in the final minute to secure the win.

Gardner-Webb finished the game shooting 47.2 percent (25-of-53) from the field and 72.2 percent (13-of-18) at the line. The Dawgs also recorded 12 assists and five steals defensively.

Gardner-Webb closes out the regular season on Saturday, February 28 as it travels to take on USC Upstate. The Runnin' Bulldogs nipped Upstate in the first meeting on January 23, accounting for the lone conference win. Tip inside the Hodge Center is slated for 2 p.m.