It was a tough night for the Runnin' Bulldogs as they suffered a crushing 83-57 defeat at the hands of the Wofford Terriers, leaving fans and analysts alike questioning what went wrong. But here's where it gets interesting: despite a strong start, Gardner-Webb couldn’t maintain momentum, and Wofford’s second-half surge sealed their fate. This loss raises a bigger question: can the Runnin' Bulldogs turn their season around, or is this a sign of deeper challenges? Let’s dive in.
On Monday evening, inside the familiar confines of Paul Porter Arena in Boiling Springs, N.C., the Gardner-Webb men’s basketball team (1-12) faced off against the visiting Wofford Terriers (7-4) in a non-conference matchup. The Terriers dominated the second half, pulling away for a decisive victory. And this is the part most people miss: while the final score looks lopsided, the game started with promise for the Runnin' Bulldogs.
Sophomores Jacob Hudson and Jacob Hogarth led the charge for Gardner-Webb, each scoring a team-high 13 points. Hogarth also grabbed five rebounds, showcasing his versatility on the court. Sophomore guard Colin Hawkins contributed eight points and two assists, adding to the team’s effort. Despite these individual performances, the Runnin' Bulldogs struggled to find consistency, finishing the game with a 40% field goal percentage (20-of-50) and a mere 2-for-15 from beyond the arc. On a brighter note, they forced 11 turnovers, marking the eighth time this season they’ve pushed their opponents into double-digit mistakes—a silver lining worth noting.
The game began with a spark as junior guard Curtis Williams III scored the first two points. Ace Talbert quickly followed with a three-pointer, and Jacob Hogarth added a smooth jumper, giving Gardner-Webb an early 7-2 lead. But here's where it gets controversial: Wofford responded with a 10-0 run, seizing control of the game and never looking back. Was this a tactical shift by the Terriers, or did the Runnin' Bulldogs simply lose their footing? The debate is open.
The first half saw the Terriers extend their lead to double digits multiple times, culminating in a Nils Machowski layup that made it 34-20 with 1:32 left. Gardner-Webb closed the half with a 7-0 run, but still trailed 34-27 at the break. The second half was all Wofford, as they opened with a 20-10 run in the first nine minutes, pushing the score to 54-37. From there, the Terriers cruised to the final score of 83-57.
Looking ahead, Gardner-Webb returns to action on Thursday, December 18, hosting Toccoa Falls in an Education Game special at Paul Porter Arena. Tipoff is set for 11 a.m. Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Can the Runnin' Bulldogs use this game as a turning point, or will their struggles persist? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep the conversation going!
