By: Jared McMurry
The women’s basketball team of Davidson (1-2) was able to hold off Gardner-Webb (1-2) last night 68-67 at Paul Porter Arena, during a game that was close throughout and had several lead changes.
The Wildcats were able to jump out to an early 12-4 lead and the Runnin’ Bulldogs looked lost as Coach Rick Reeves called a quick timeout.
“To be honest I didn’t make any adjustments, I just reminded them of the game plan,” he said.
Reeves’ team responded grabbing a 13-12 lead with 13:20 remaining in the first half. The two teams continued to battle throughout the first half, as Gardner-Webb took a four-point lead, before Davidson fired back to take a 36-34 advantage into halftime.
The Runnin’ Bulldogs were able to muster up 43 shots in the first half, but only connected on 12 of them. The Wildcats offense was much more efficient as they shot 50% from the floor in the first half of play.
The second half started much like the first except it was Gardner-Webb firing on all cylinders. The Runnin’ Bulldogs scored the first nine points of the half, grabbing a 43-36 in less than two minutes of play.
Davidson did not go away easily; clawing back into the game, eventually taking a 57-56 lead on a Hannah Early trey. The Wildcats would go on to take a commanding six point lead and it looked as if all the momentum had shifted sides.
Gardner-Webb was able to make one last push but unable to make anything of their last possession. They forced a Wildcat turnover with six seconds to play and had one more go at it trailing by one. The Runnin’ Bulldogs inbounded the ball and got the ball to senior Jessica Heilig, who was fouled. Heilig would miss both free throws ending the game. Heilig, who had been out for two weeks with a concussion, returned to the lineup and made an impact despite only scoring five points.
“It was good to have Jessica back, you never want to jeopardize a player’s health,” Reeves said. “Basketball is a platform to share Christ and I want my players to have a great experience.”
Leading the Runnin’ Bulldogs in scoring was Olivia Parker with a game and career high 24 points. Candace Brown added 14, while Mayhana Dunovant contributed 11. For the Wildcats, Early scored 15 points to add to Mackenzie Lott’s 21.
Gardner-Webb will be back in action Saturday at home as they face North Carolina Central.
To see more photos from the game, click here.