Preview: Presbyterian Blue Hose at Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs

SHELBY, N.C. (Interstat) — Two Big South women’s basketball teams seeking momentum will meet Wednesday when the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs host the Presbyterian Blue Hose at Paul Porter Arena.

Gardner-Webb (6-13) enters with a slight uptick after a 52-45 road victory at Charleston Southern on Saturday. The Runnin’ Bulldogs have won three of their last six contests after a 3-10 start to the season. They will rely on guard Amina Gray, who is coming off a 16-point performance against Charleston Southern and has averaged 14.2 points over her last five games, including a 21-point outing at Winthrop on Dec. 31.

Presbyterian (2-16) continues to search for its first conference win, mired in a 10-game losing streak. The Blue Hose fell 64-53 to UNC Asheville at home on Saturday. Despite the team’s struggles, freshman guard Ja’Cia Cunningham has emerged as a bright spot, scoring 20 points in that loss and averaging 11.2 points over her last five games.

The matchup pits Gardner-Webb’s defense, which held Charleston Southern to 45 points, against a Presbyterian offense that has been held under 60 points in 15 of its 18 games this season. The Blue Hose are averaging just 48.2 points per game during their current skid.

Historically, Gardner-Webb has dominated the series, winning the last 10 meetings. In their most recent matchup last February, the Runnin’ Bulldogs secured a 66-49 victory in Boiling Springs.

For Presbyterian, containing Gray and Makayla Legette, who added 14 points and 4 assists in the win over Charleston Southern, will be critical. The Blue Hose will need Cunningham and guard Krystal Haddock, who scored 15 points against Asheville, to generate consistent offense to challenge a Gardner-Webb team looking to climb the conference standings.

Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. EST Wednesday. Gardner-Webb travels to High Point on Saturday, while Presbyterian hosts Charleston Southern on Jan. 24.