JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Interstat) — Two teams seeking momentum before the holiday break will meet Thursday when the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs visit the East Tennessee State Lady Buccaneers in a nonconference women’s basketball game.

The matchup at ETSU Athletic Center features programs with nearly identical early-season struggles. Gardner-Webb enters at 3-9, while ETSU sits at 4-8. Both are coming off losses to Power Five opponent Virginia Tech this month.

Gardner-Webb snapped a five-game skid with a 77-62 home win over Western Carolina on Dec. 13. The Runnin’ Bulldogs will look to build on that performance, led by guard Makayla Legette. She orchestrated the offense in the victory, scoring 16 points and dishing nine assists in 35 minutes. Her playmaking will be critical against ETSU’s defense.

The Lady Buccaneers are looking to rebound from a 73-55 loss at Virginia Tech on Dec. 14. Guard Daniela López provided a bright spot in that defeat, scoring 14 points. López has shown high-scoring potential this season, including a 22-point, nine-rebound effort in a win at Eastern Illinois on Nov. 30.

ETSU has found some success at home, posting a 3-3 record in Johnson City, including a 63-53 win over UNC Asheville on Dec. 11. Gardner-Webb is 2-3 in true road games, with its last away contest resulting in a 108-57 loss at Coastal Carolina on Nov. 30.

The game represents a final tune-up before both teams head into their respective conference schedules in the new year. Gardner-Webb will visit Wake Forest on Monday, while ETSU travels to Charlotte on Sunday.

Tipoff is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025.