BOILING SPRINGS — Ben Drake scored 10 points and grabbed a career-high 16 rebounds and Presbyterian used a late run to beat Gardner-Webb 68-62 on Saturday to start Big South Conference play 2-0 for the first time in its Division I history.
Gardner-Webb’s Jaheam Cornwall tied it at 55 with three free throws with 4:25 to play, but Michael Isler’s two foul shots sparked a 13-7 run for the win.
Cory Hightower scored 12 points with 10 rebounds for his fifth career double-double for the Blue Hose (5-10, 2-0), who outrebounded the Runnin’ Bulldogs 52-36 in winning their third straight game.
Nate Johnson hit 5 of 11 3-pointers and scored 19 points and Cornwall added 17 for Gardner-Webb (5-9, 1-1), which shot 29% from the floor. Eric Jamison Jr. scored 13 points and had eight boards. Ludovic Dufeal blocked a season-high six shots.
Jose Perez, who was second on the Runnin’ Bulldogs in scoring heading into the contest with 14 points per game, shot only 20% for the game (2 of 10).
Presbyterian, which snapped its five-game road losing streak, takes on High Point at home next Saturday. Gardner-Webb plays Radford at home on Wednesday.
