SHELBY, N.C. (Interstat) — The Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs used a dominant defensive performance and a game-high 18 points from Amina Gray to secure their first win of the season, defeating the Hampton Pirates 55-35 in a non-conference women’s basketball game Sunday at Paul Porter Arena.

The game, organized by the Big South Conference, was defined by frigid shooting from the visiting Pirates. Hampton managed just 11 field goals on 52 attempts, a 21.2 percent clip from the floor. Their struggles were even more pronounced from beyond the arc, where they hit only 4 of 27 three-point attempts.

Gardner-Webb, which improved its record to 1-4, was far more efficient. The Runnin’ Bulldogs shot 45.5 percent from the field, making 20 of 44 shots, and connected on 9 of 21 three-pointers. Gray, a 5-foot-6 guard from Dekalb, Illinois, led all scorers in 25 minutes of action.

The Runnin’ Bulldogs also controlled the paint, outscoring Hampton 22-12, and capitalized on their limited second-chance opportunities despite being outrebounded on the offensive glass 11-2.

Jaelyn Acker supported Gray’s effort with 12 points for Gardner-Webb, while Amira Ofunniyin recorded a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Makayla Legette facilitated the offense with a team-high four assists.

Hampton, which fell to 1-2, was led by Kiarra Mcelrath’s 12 points and six rebounds. Taylor Gibson added seven points and five rebounds for the Pirates, who were plagued by 14 turnovers.

The contest was a low-possession affair, with Hampton using 64 possessions and Gardner-Webb 63. The Pirates’ offensive rating of 55.1 underscored their scoring difficulties, while the Runnin’ Bulldogs posted a more robust rating of 87.7.

Gardner-Webb’s victory was its first after opening the season with four consecutive losses. Hampton was coming off a 105-21 win over Apprentice and a 77-48 loss to Wake Forest.

According to Interstat’s ELO system, Gardner-Webb was projected with a 61.70 percent probability to win.

Gardner-Webb next hosts UNC Wilmington on Wednesday. Hampton travels to face Norfolk State on Friday.