The men’s basketball team at Gardner-Webb University demonstrated significant determination and resilience in their recent match against Presbyterian, achieving a 61-60 victory and advancing to the semi-finals of the 2024 Big South Basketball Tournament.
At the Qubein Center of High Point University, the Runnin’ Bulldogs displayed a remarkable comeback led by senior guard Quest Aldridge, who calmly converted two crucial free throws with only 3.8 seconds remaining, securing the team’s hard-fought victory. Gardner-Webb, the No. 3 seed, overcame a challenging 12-point deficit in the second half, showcasing their unwavering spirit and tenacity.
This notable win, marking the Runnin’ Bulldogs’ fourth consecutive triumph, elevates their overall record to an impressive 17-15. Head coach Tim Craft expressed his satisfaction at the team’s resilience, attributing their recent successes to their unwavering determination and ability to deliver when it matters most. Craft’s leadership has led the team to the Final Four of the Conference Tournament on seven occasions during his 11-season tenure, a testament to his coaching prowess and the team’s collective strength.
The clash with Presbyterian was not without its challenges, as Gardner-Webb faced adversity with the ankle injury of graduate senior Lucas Stieber. Despite this setback, the team rallied together, demonstrating their depth and fortitude as they united to secure the win for their injured teammate. Aldridge, a crucial figure in the team’s recent successes, delivered an impressive performance, scoring 14 points in the game, including two successful three-pointers.
Senior guard DQ Nicholas also made a significant contribution to the team’s victory, leading the scoring with 15 points, along with commendable defensive prowess, securing seven rebounds. Additionally, Caleb Robinson played a pivotal role in controlling the boards, showcasing his skill with a game-high 10 rebounds.
Gardner-Webb’s shooting efficiency proved crucial in their victory, as they achieved a 48.1% field goal success rate and an impressive 50% conversion rate from three-point range. Furthermore, their free-throw shooting, an area of improvement from previous matches, saw them achieve a 60% conversion rate from the charity stripe, exemplified by Aldridge’s nerve-wracking one-and-one conversion to secure the win.
Presbyterian, though ultimately falling short, demonstrated their competitive spirit, with senior guard Trevon Reddish-Rhone leading the charge with a game-high 18 points. Junior guard Samage Teel and Kobe Stewart also played vital roles, contributing 12 and 11 points, respectively.
Looking forward, Gardner-Webb is poised to face Asheville in the semi-finals, presenting an opportune moment to build on their recent successes and further establish their dominance in the tournament. Their upcoming encounter holds considerable significance, with the defending champions aiming to secure victory and advance to the tournament’s final stages.
Gardner-Webb’s remarkable journey in this season’s Big South Basketball Tournament epitomizes their unwavering determination and collective prowess. With their sights firmly set on the prize, the Runnin’ Bulldogs are prepared to deliver another outstanding performance in the upcoming semi-final faceoff against Asheville as they aim to advance one step closer to championship glory.