SHELBY, N.C. (Interstat) — A surging Winthrop team riding a nine-game winning streak will look to continue its dominance over a struggling Gardner-Webb squad when the Eagles visit the Runnin’ Bulldogs in a Big South Conference men’s basketball game Thursday at Paul Porter Arena.

The Eagles (18-8, 9-0 Big South) have been the class of the conference, remaining perfect in league play and sitting atop the standings. Their last loss came on Dec. 31. Gardner-Webb (3-22, 1-8) has lost five of its last six, with its lone conference victory a 67-65 win over South Carolina Upstate on Jan. 23.

Winthrop, which defeated Gardner-Webb 88-77 at home on Jan. 3, is powered by forward Logan Duncomb. The standout player is averaging 22.4 points over his last seven games, a stretch that includes a 38-point outburst at Presbyterian on Jan. 24 and a 26-point, 10-rebound double-double against UNC Asheville on Jan. 31. In the first meeting this season, Duncomb scored 17 points.

Gardner-Webb will counter with guard Spence Sims, who has been a consistent scorer in recent contests. He is averaging 10.2 points over his last six games, including a 13-point performance at UNC Asheville on Jan. 29. In the February 7 loss to Presbyterian, Sims led the team with 12 points.

The Runnin’ Bulldogs will need a significant defensive effort to slow a high-powered Winthrop offense that has scored 80 or more points in five of its last nine games. Gardner-Webb has allowed 86 or more points in four of its last six losses.

For Winthrop, a victory would extend its winning streak to double digits and maintain its firm grip on first place. For Gardner-Webb, the game represents a chance to play spoiler and build momentum before a difficult closing stretch to the regular season.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST Thursday.