Charleston Southern edges Gardner-Webb 78-76

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. (AP) — Arlon Harper hadn’t scored in 12 minutes in the balanced Charleston Southern attack, but nailed a 16-foot jumper with 2.7 seconds left, breaking a tie and lifting the Buccaneers to a 78-76 victory over Gardner-Webb on Wednesday night.

The close-fought win was Charleston Southern’s first ever at Gardner-Webb’s Paul Porter Arena.

Each team shot 48.3 percent from the field, but the Buccaneers (9-9, 3-2 Big South) made 29 field goals to 28 for the Runnin’ Bulldogs (9-11, 2-3).

Tyler Strange (nine points) had forced a 76-76 tie on a pair of free throws with 13 seconds to play, but missed a buzzer-beater after Harper’s jumper.

Six Charleston Southern players reached double figures led by Saah Nimley’s 20. Harper and Cedrick Bowen finished with 12 each.

Jerome Hill topped the Runnin’ Bulldogs with 19 points and Naji Hibbert added 18.

Gardner-Webb went just 4-for-15 on 3-pointers while the Buccaneers hit 8.