Johnson, Perez have 20 apiece, Gardner-Webb wins 81-72
ASHEVILLE, N.C. -- Nate Johnson and Jose Perez had 20 points apiece as Gardner-Webb won its second game of the season, beating UNC Wilmington 81-72 in the Battle of the Blue Ridge on Saturday night.
Johnson nailed five from long range, making 7 of 9 from the floor. Perez hit three from distance on 7-of-16 shooting. David Efianayi also made three from beyond the arc to total 17 points and Jaheam Cornwall finished with 12 points for Gardner-Webb (2-4) which got off to a slow start but took a 42-27 lead into the break.
The Seahawks rallied in the second half, cutting the lead to 60-52 with 5:56 remaining after Kai Toews made four straight free throws. They cut it to 68-62 after Ty Gadsden completed a 3-point play and Jeantal Cylla drove for a layup with 2:34 left. Nat Johnson answered with a trey and the Bulldogs held on for the win.
Cylla finished with 22 points for UNC Wilmington (2-4).
Game Information
- Referees:
- William Humes
- Jason Page
- J.W. Lucas
2024-25 Big South Conference Standings
| Team | CONF | GB | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNC Asheville | 5-1 | - | 14-6 |
| High Point | 5-2 | 0.5 | 17-5 |
| Longwood | 4-2 | 1 | 15-6 |
| Radford | 3-3 | 2 | 13-8 |
| Winthrop | 3-3 | 2 | 13-8 |
| Gardner-Webb | 3-4 | 2.5 | 8-12 |
| Presbyterian | 2-4 | 3 | 9-12 |
| Charleston Southern | 2-4 | 3 | 6-15 |
| South Carolina Upstate | 1-5 | 4 | 5-16 |
2024-25 Coastal Athletic Association Standings
| Team | CONF | GB | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston | 5-1 | - | 15-4 |
| William & Mary | 5-1 | - | 11-8 |
| Towson | 5-1 | - | 10-9 |
| UNC Wilmington | 4-2 | 1 | 14-5 |
| Elon | 4-2 | 1 | 13-6 |
| Delaware | 4-2 | 1 | 11-8 |
| Drexel | 3-3 | 2 | 11-8 |
| Campbell | 3-3 | 2 | 8-11 |
| Monmouth | 3-3 | 2 | 5-14 |
| Hampton | 3-4 | 2.5 | 10-9 |
| Hofstra | 2-4 | 3 | 10-9 |
| Northeastern | 2-4 | 3 | 10-9 |
| Stony Brook | 0-6 | 5 | 4-15 |
| North Carolina A&T | 0-7 | 5.5 | 4-16 |
Men's College Basketball News
