BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. (AP) — Naji Hibbert scored 20 points to lift Gardner-Webb to its first win of the season, an 87-78 victory over Jacksonville on Saturday night.
Hibbert, who was 6 of 11 from the field with two 3-pointers, got help from Josh Castellanos, who had 15 points, and Jerome Hill, who had 13 points and eight rebounds in the home opener. Tyrell Nelson added 12 points as Gardner-Webb (1-2) outrebounded Jacksonville 39-29 and went 26 of 36 from the free throw line.
Jacksonville (1-2) briefly reclaimed an early lead midway into the first half with a Keith McDougald layup that made it 21-20 but the Runnin’ Bulldogs took it back moments later with a jumper by Isaiah Ivey and remained out front the rest of the game.
RJ Slawson led the Dolphins with 19 points and four rebounds.
