Bulldogs Take Down Gardner-Webb, 77–71, in Final Road Game

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – Asheville erased a three-point halftime deficit and outscored Gardner-Webb 43–34 in the second half to secure a 77–71 road victory Thursday night inside Paul Porter Arena.

The win marks Asheville's final road game of the regular season, and helped the Bulldogs move to 8-7 in league play.

First Half

Asheville came out firing from beyond the arc, with Justin Wright knocking down two early 3-pointers. The Bulldogs controlled much of the opening half, but Gardner-Webb's ball pressure prevented Asheville from stretching its lead beyond six.

J Wright with the early triple! #ALLinAVL #IWWD pic.twitter.com/EyWNm2C4Ar
— Asheville Basketball (@UNCAvlMBB) February 27, 2026

With 3:20 remaining, a triple from DJ Patrick gave Asheville a six-point cushion. The Runnin' Bulldogs quickly answered, however, pulling even at 32. A foul with just over a minute to play sent Gardner-Webb to the free-throw line, where it took a one-point advantage. A late layup in the closing seconds pushed the home team ahead 37–34 at the break.

Second Half

Solomon opened the second half with a basket, but Gardner-Webb maintained control for much of the early period and built its largest lead of the game at seven just before the under-12 media timeout.

Asheville steadily chipped away at the deficit. Kameron Taylor buried a 3-pointer to cut it to two (55–53), and after Gardner-Webb extended the margin back to four, Justin Wright answered with a triple to make it a one-point game (59–58).

With just over six minutes remaining, Wright tied the score at 61 following a steal by DJ Patrick, swinging the momentum in Asheville's favor. Moments later, Taylor took over.

Taylor scored nine straight points during a decisive stretch — converting tough jumpers and knocking down free throws — to help Asheville build a 72–65 lead with just over two minutes to play. The Bulldogs controlled the final minutes at the line, extending the margin to as many as 10 with 32 seconds remaining and securing the 77–71 victory.

By the Numbers

Kameron Taylor led Asheville with 24 points — including 17 in the second half — while adding eight rebounds and five assists to pace the Bulldogs in all three categories. He shot 8-of-16 from the field and went 7-of-12 at the free-throw line.

Toyaz Solomon followed with 19 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and two blocks, finishing 7-of-11 from the floor and 5-of-7 from the stripe.

Justin Wright added 16 points with three 3-pointers and six rebounds, while DJ Patrick contributed 14 points behind four triples, along with seven rebounds and two steals.

The Bulldogs controlled the glass, outrebounding Gardner-Webb 39–23, including 15 offensive boards. Asheville turned those extra opportunities into a 20–8 advantage in second-chance points.

Both teams shot efficiently, with Asheville finishing 27-of-55 (49.1%) from the field compared to Gardner-Webb's 25-of-53 (47.2%). Each side knocked down eight 3-pointers, while Asheville held a slight edge at the free-throw line, converting 15 to Gardner-Webb's 13.

Up next

Asheville (14–15, 8–7 BSC) returns home for its regular-season finale on Saturday, Feb. 28, hosting Charleston Southern at 2 p.m. inside Kimmel Arena.

Kids' tickets are just $1.50 for Saturday's matchup. Prior to tipoff, the men's basketball program will honor its senior class as part of Senior Day festivities.