Boling Springs, N.C. (Feb. 18, 2012) --- Donte Richards scored the game-winning points on two free throws with 10 seconds left to give Gardner-Webb a 57-56 win over Delaware State in an ESPN Bracketbuster contest at Paul Porter Arena this evening. The Hornets had a chance to win on their last possession, but Tyshawn Bell missed a shot with four seconds left and Gardner-Webb's Stefon Johnson grabbed the rebound to secure the win for the Runnin' Bulldogs.
The loss snapped Delaware State's eight-game win streak. The Hornets fell to 12-12 on the season. Gardner won for just the second time in the last seven games to improve to 12-17.
The Runnin' Bulldogs scored the last eight points of the game after trailing 56-49 following an offensive rebound and basket by Marques Oliver with 2:50 left to play.
The Hornets led 56-55 with the ball but committed a turnover with 10 seconds left. Richards was then fouled; and hit both free throws to give Gardner-Webb the lead.
DSU committed four turnovers and missed two free throws in the final 2:10 of the game.
Delaware State trailed 47-34 in the second half before embarking on a 20-2 run, including 17 straight points, to take the lead. The Hornets pulled ahead 49-47 on a three-pointer by Casey walker with 5:37 left in the game. After a steal by Jay Threatt on Gardner-Webb's next possession, Threatt fed Oliver for a dunk to give DSU a 51-47 lead.
Bell had five points and Oliver four during the Hornets' 17-0 spurt. Gardner-Webb was 0-for-3 from the field and committed four turnovers during the DSU rally.
Oliver was high scorer for Delaware State with 18 points on 6-of-8 shooting from the field and free throw line. Walker added 12 points (4-7 3pt. FGs) and Bell came off the bench to tally 11 for the Hornets.
Delaware State's leading scorer Tahj Tate (16.9 ppg) was held to six points on 3-for-11 shooting from the field.
Tashon Newsome led four Gardner-Webb players in double figures with 13 points.
This marked the fourth straight Delaware State game decided in the final seconds or overtime. The Hornets won the previous three.
The Hornets wrap up a five game road swing at Hampton in a MEAC contest on Monday. Game time is 8:00 p.m. at the Hampton Convocation Center.
