The Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs are set to take on the Charleston Southern Buccaneers for their Big South conference opener on January 2, 2025, at 1 PM ET, at Buccaneer Fieldhouse in Charleston, South Carolina. With both teams underwhelming this season, the matchup promises to be closely contested.
Gardner-Webb, boasting a 5-8 record, hopes to build momentum after snapping its five-game losing streak with an impressive 84-79 win over East Carolina. That victory allowed the Runnin' Bulldogs to enter conference play with renewed vigor. The standout of the match was sophomore guard Darryl Simmons II, who led the scoring with 29 points, showcasing his potential as Gardner-Webb's top scorer this season with an average of 16.3 points per game.
Meanwhile, the Buccaneers come off their own winning high, having ended their four-game drought by defeating Columbia International 95-89. Senior forward Taje' Kelly has been pivotal for Charleston Southern, leading with 18.9 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. The Buccaneers, currently holding a 4-11 record, are eager to grab their first Division I win since December 3.
This game marks the first conference action for both teams and adds layers of significance as they seek to make their mark within the Big South. The history between these two has often favored Gardner-Webb, which has claimed victory in eight of their last nine meetings. Fans are left wondering if Charleston Southern can reverse this trend.
Las Vegas odds makers have Charleston Southern favored by 1.5 points over Gardner-Webb, which reflects the narrow margins often seen when these two teams collide. The over/under is set at 152 points, indicating expectations for competitive scoring. Action PRO's projections, based on statistical analysis, mention this spread could be off by as much as four points, creating perceived value for savvy bettors.
Both teams come off contrasting recent performances; Charleston Southern managed to regain some offensive rhythm after their recent victory. The Buccaneers displayed strong rebounding against Columbia, securing 19 offensive rebounds, highlighting their ability to capitalize on possession. Conversely, Gardner-Webb will seek to prolong its recent victory streak by emphasizing fast-paced gameplay and three-point shooting. They also bring history’s advantage, having twice defeated Charleston Southern last season.
If the Buccaneers are to turn their season around, they’ll need significant contributions from Kelly and RJ Johnson, who also showed scoring promise with 25 points against Columbia International. Charleston Southern has demonstrated recent improvements but still struggled against defensive challenges throughout the earlier season.
On the other hand, Gardner-Webb's success will hinge on maintaining its competitive edge. The Runnin' Bulldogs average 74.2 points per game, which is slightly below Charleston Southern's defensive average of 79.3 points allowed per game. This statistic emphasizes the need for Gardner-Webb to execute its plays efficiently to keep the score close.
Looking at the overall matchup, both teams will be fighting hard for this win to build confidence for the rest of the conference schedule. Coaches’ strategies will be tested as they look to exploit the weaknesses of their opponents. History shows Gardner-Webb's defensive style combined with their effective scoring can disrupt Charleston Southern’s gameplay.
With tip-off rapidly approaching, expectations run high for this kickoff to Big South play. Can Gardner-Webb continue their winning ways against Charleston Southern? Or will the Buccaneers find new life at home, finally overcoming the historical disadvantage? The answer will soon be revealed as both teams battle it out on the hardwood this afternoon.
Fans and bettors alike are encouraged to watch the game live on ESPN+ as part of the exciting college basketball lineup, taking full advantage of what promises to be a thrilling game!