Gardner-Webb has hot hand, beats SC Upstate 87-66

Dec 2, 2017, 10:41 pm

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. -- Liam O'Reilly and DJ Laster combined for 37 points as Gardner-Webb took an early lead and thumped South Carolina Upstate 87-66 to halt a three-game skid on Saturday afternoon.

O'Reilly drilled 4 of 6 from beyond the arc for 19 points as Gardner-Webb (3-6) dominated the last part of the first half to go ahead 52-30 at the break. The Bulldogs got off to a hot start and stayed hot, hitting 67 percent (29-43) from the floor while holding SC Upstate (3-7) to 23-of-56 (41 percent) shooting. Gardner-Webb also knocked down 10 of 14 (71 percent) from long range.

Laster had 18 points, Patrick Zeck added 13 with 14 rebounds for his first career double-double and Jaheam Cornwall chipped in 11 for the Bulldogs who will battle at Auburn on Wednesday.

Malik Moore had 12 points and Jure Span added 10 for the Spartans who have lost four of their last five games.