SHELBY, N.C. (Interstat) — The Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs will seek to halt a prolonged skid and avenge a 35-point loss when they host the Longwood Lancers in a Big South Conference men’s basketball game Wednesday at Paul Porter Arena.

Gardner-Webb (3-20, 1-7 Big South) has lost eight of its last nine, including a 69-50 defeat at UNC Asheville last Thursday. The Runnin’ Bulldogs’ lone win in that stretch was a 67-65 victory over South Carolina Upstate on Jan. 23. Spence Sims, who scored 13 points against Asheville, is a key perimeter player for a team struggling to find consistent offense.

Longwood (12-12, 4-5) arrives looking to steady itself after back-to-back losses, including a 71-59 home defeat to High Point on Saturday. The Lancers handily won the first meeting this season, 91-56, in Farmville on Jan. 21. In that game, Longwood shot 54% from the field and held Gardner-Webb to 32% shooting.

Player to watch for the Lancers is guard Johan Nziemi, who is coming off a 12-point, 7-rebound performance against High Point. Over his last seven games, Nziemi is averaging 9.3 points and 3.4 rebounds.

Gardner-Webb has found wins elusive at home and on the road, with its last victory in Shelby coming against Toccoa Falls, a non-Division I opponent, on Dec. 18. The Runnin’ Bulldogs have lost 10 straight against Division I competition.

Longwood holds a clear advantage in the recent series and season trajectory. A win would move the Lancers back to .500 in conference play, while Gardner-Webb aims to escape the conference cellar.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST Wednesday. Longwood visits Winthrop on Saturday, while Gardner-Webb travels to face Presbyterian.