North Carolina Central Eagles Defeat Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs to Improve to 7-6 in Conference Play

Eagles Post 71-63 Victory Led by Krishawn Hopkins' 22 Points

Despite Strong Performance from Gardner-Webb's Kareem Reid, NCCU Takes Over in Second Half

The North Carolina Central Eagles (13-10, 7-6 Big South) defeated the Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs (10-13, 4-9 Big South), 71-63, in a hard-fought conference clash. The victory marked the Eagles' third consecutive win and lifted them to 7-6 in conference play.

The game featured two of the Big South's top scorers in Krishawn Hopkins of NCCU and Kareem Reid of Gardner-Webb. Hopkins led the Eagles with a game-high 22 points, while Reid paced the Runnin' Bulldogs with 20 points.

The Eagles came out strong in the first half, taking an early lead and holding on to it for much of the half. However, Gardner-Webb fought back to tie the game at 35-35 at the break.

NCCU took control of the game in the second half, outscoring Gardner-Webb 36-28. The Eagles' defense stepped up in the second half, holding the Runnin' Bulldogs to just 34.8% shooting from the field.

In addition to Hopkins' 22 points, NCCU received solid contributions from Justin Whatley and Eric Boone. Whatley finished with 14 points and seven rebounds, while Boone added 12 points.

For Gardner-Webb, Reid's 20 points led the way. Jaheam Cornwall and Anthony Selden contributed 11 points apiece.

The victory was a big one for NCCU, as it keeps them in contention for a top-four finish in the Big South standings. The Eagles are currently tied for fourth place with Presbyterian College and have a chance to improve their position with a strong finish to the regular season.

Gardner-Webb, meanwhile, will look to bounce back from the loss when they host Longwood University on Saturday.