The SC State women’s basketball team could not withstand a second half surge by Gardner-Webb, as they dropped a 74-81 decision in a non-conference matchup at Paul Porter Arena in Boiling Springs, NC.

SC State, (0-3), found itself down early as Gardner-Webb, (3-1), started the game with a 6-0 run over the first three minutes.  The Runnin’ Bulldogs maintained its lead over the next ten minutes before the Lady Bulldogs put its offense into motion.  SC State then went on a 9-2 run to take a one point lead, 15-16, midway through the first half.  The Lady Bulldogs increased its lead to seven, 16-23, with just over seven minutes remaining.  The Runnin’ Bulldogs then went on a 12-6 run of its own over the next five minutes to go ahead by one, 28-29.  The Lady Bulldogs closed the first half on an 11-5 run to take a five point lead into the locker-room, 39-34.

Gardner-Webb came out the second half very aggressive, opening the half with a 9-4 run over the first four minutes which tied the game at 43.  The teams exchanged baskets over the next five minutes before Runnin’ Bulldogs took the lead for good.  Gardner-Webb went up by as many as 17, 75-58, with a little over three minutes remaining in the half.  SC State put together one last 15-5 run to pull within seven but could not get any closer as they fell 74-81.

SC State, who had shooting struggles in its first two outings, offense came alive in the game as they had three players to score in double-figures.  Junior Sophilia Hipps scored a game-high 22 points, junior Marie Reid continued her dominance with 19 points and junior LaKeisha Scott scored a career high 12 points for the Lady Bulldogs.  Sophomore Patience Figgins contributed nine points and six rebounds in the loss.

SC State will return to action Saturday, Nov. 29 at 2 p.m. when they travel to Asheville, NC to take on UNC-Asheville.  The Lady Bulldogs will close out its four-game road swing next Wednesday, Dec. 3 when they travel to Charleston, SC to take on the College of Charleston.