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. Let’s break down the game and explore the moments that defined this non-conference matchup.
In a game that began with promise, the Runnin' Bulldogs (1-12) found themselves outmatched by the visiting Wofford Terriers (7-4) on Monday evening inside Paul Porter Arena in Boiling Springs, N.C. Sophomore standouts Jacob Hudson and Jacob Hogarth each led the team with 13 points, while Hogarth also grabbed five rebounds. Sophomore guard Colin Hawkins contributed eight points and two assists, but it wasn’t enough to turn the tide.
Gardner-Webb’s shooting efficiency stood at 40%, making 20 of their 50 attempts, including a mere 2-for-15 from beyond the arc. And this is the part most people miss: the Bulldogs forced 11 turnovers, marking the eighth time this season they’ve pushed their opponents into double-digit mistakes. Yet, Wofford’s ability to capitalize on their opportunities proved decisive.
The game started brightly for Gardner-Webb, with junior guard Curtis Williams III scoring the first two points. Ace Talbert followed with a three-pointer, and Hogarth added a smooth jumper, giving the Bulldogs an early 7-2 lead. However, Wofford responded with a 10-0 run, seizing control of the game and never looking back.
The Terriers extended their lead to double digits multiple times in the first half, culminating in a layup by Nils Machowski that made it 34-20 with 1:32 remaining. Gardner-Webb closed the half with a 7-0 run, but still trailed 34-27 at the break. Here’s where the controversy lies: did the Bulldogs’ early success lull them into complacency, or was Wofford’s second-half dominance simply unstoppable?
The second half saw Wofford pull away decisively, opening with a 20-10 run over the first nine minutes to extend their lead to 54-37. From there, the Terriers cruised to the final score of 83-57, leaving Gardner-Webb with plenty to reflect on.
Looking ahead, the Runnin' Bulldogs return 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. But before we move on, let’s ask: Can Gardner-Webb bounce back from this loss, or is this season shaping up to be a tougher challenge than anticipated? Share your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear from you!
