South Carolina State was pushed to the end but ultimately prevailed as they defeated Gardner-Webb, 62-56, in a non-conference match-up in Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center.

SC State, (1-4), led by as much as 16 points late in the first half and enjoyed a 12 point half-time lead. The Lady Bulldogs could not bring the momentum out of the locker-room after the half as Gardner-Webb, (2-5), started the second half on a 16-2 run to pull the game even at 38 with 13:08 remaining.

The teams exchanged baskets for the remainder of the half until the Lady Bulldogs took the lead for good as Sophilia Hipps hit two free-throws with 42 seconds left. Brittany Baity went to the line and hit two free-throws with 13.5 seconds left to put the Lady Bulldogs up by four. Freshman Patience Figgins hit two final free-throws with four seconds left to help the Lady Bulldogs seal the deal for their first victory of the season.

Junior Jenell Moore had a breakthrough game as she recorded her first double-double of the season, 11 points-14 rebounds, to lead the Lady Bulldogs. SC State had three players to score in double-figures as Rasheeda Jones led the team and all scorers with 14 and freshman Patience Figgins scored 11.

Monique Hudson led Gardner-Webb with 12 points.

The Lady Bulldogs will travel to Winston-Salem, NC this Saturday to take on the Lady Rams of Winston-Salem State. The Lady Bulldogs will return home next Tuesday, Dec. 4 at 5:30 pm when they take on Presbyterian. This will be the first of nine home games for the Lady Bulldogs.

? Copyright 2007 meacsports.com