Preview: Winthrop Eagles at Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs

SHELBY, N.C. (Interstat) — Two Big South Conference women’s basketball teams seeking momentum will meet Saturday when the Winthrop Eagles visit the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs at Paul Porter Arena.

Winthrop (11-13) enters the contest looking to snap a two-game skid after a 74-88 loss to High Point on Wednesday. Gardner-Webb (7-16) arrives with some confidence following a 54-52 road victory at UNC Asheville on Jan. 30, its most recent outing.

The matchup is a quick rematch of a Dec. 31 game, which Gardner-Webb won 54-48 in Rock Hill. In that contest, the Runnin’ Bulldogs held Winthrop to its second-lowest scoring output of the season.

A key player to watch for Winthrop is guard Amourie Porter, who leads the team’s offensive efforts. Porter is coming off a 17-point performance against High Point and has scored 15 or more points in five of her last seven games, including a 21-point effort at Longwood on Jan. 14.

Gardner-Webb will counter with its own standout, Amina Gray. The guard was instrumental in the win over Asheville, posting 18 points and five rebounds. She has been a consistent scorer, reaching double figures in three of her last five appearances.

While Winthrop holds the better overall record, both teams have struggled within the conference. The Eagles have lost five of their last seven games. Gardner-Webb’s win over Asheville snapped a three-game losing streak, but the Runnin’ Bulldogs have been held under 50 points in three of their last six contests.

Winthrop will aim for a more productive offensive showing after being held to 48 points in the first meeting. Gardner-Webb will rely on its defense, which has kept opponents to 65 points or fewer in three of its seven wins this season.

Saturday’s game continues a critical stretch for both teams as they jockey for position in the Big South standings ahead of the conference tournament.

Tipoff is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, in Boiling Springs.