Preview: Charleston Southern at Gardner-Webb

CHARLESTON SOUTHERN (9-6) at GARDNER-WEBB (2-13) When: Wednesday, 7 p.m. EST Where: Paul Porter Arena, Boiling Springs, N.C.

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. (Interstat) — The Charleston Southern Buccaneers, riding momentum from a road win over a strong Richmond squad, visit the struggling Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs in a non-conference men’s basketball matchup on New Year’s Eve.

Charleston Southern (9-6) arrives with confidence after Sunday’s 77-72 victory at Richmond. The Buccaneers have won three of their last four, showcasing a potent offense that has scored 84 or more points in four of their nine wins. A key figure in their recent success is guard Brycen Blaine, who is coming off a career-high 23-point, seven-rebound performance against the Spiders. Over his last five games, Blaine is averaging 14.2 points and 4.8 rebounds, providing a consistent scoring threat alongside A’lahn Sumler and Jesse Hafemeister.

Conversely, Gardner-Webb (2-13) seeks to halt a dismal stretch that has seen it lose 11 of its last 12 games. The Runnin’ Bulldogs’ two victories came against lower-division opponents Toccoa Falls and Brevard. They are reeling from a 94-52 defeat at Tennessee on Dec. 21, their most recent outing. Gardner-Webb has struggled defensively, allowing 88.5 points per game during its current 1-11 skid.

The Bulldogs will look to guard Colin Hawkins to spark an upset. Hawkins has been a steady presence, averaging 9.5 points and 3.2 assists over his last six contests. He scored 14 points in the win over Toccoa Falls and will need a similar offensive output to challenge the Buccaneers.

This game represents a final tune-up before both teams embark on their Big South Conference schedules in January. Charleston Southern will aim to carry its winning form into league play, while Gardner-Webb desperately needs a positive result to build any semblance of confidence.

The Buccaneers won both meetings last season, including a 72-67 victory in Boiling Springs.