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3/6/2008 - WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
Gardner-Webb Wins Thriller to Advance to Semifinals
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Photo courtesy of ASunPhotos
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Lauren Arthur's last second jumper came up short of the basket, preserving third seeded Gardner-Webb's 57-56 victory over No. 6 Campbell in quarterfinal action at the General Shale Brick Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament Thursday afternoon.
The Bulldogs (13-17) held on despite converting just three field goals in the game's final 12 minutes. While Gardner-Webb struggled offensively, the Camels caught fire; hitting on 62 percent of their field goal attempts in the second half to erase a 10-point deficit.
Leading by seven at intermission, Gardner-Webb built its lead to 42-31 on Margaret Roundtree's jumper with 12:28 to play, but the Camels rallied back and held the Bulldogs to just two points over the next eight minutes.
Two Jessica Mack free throws with 4:48 to play gave the Camels their first lead of the second half, but Margaret Roundtree restored the Gardner-Webb advantage with a jumper just 13 seconds later. After two Arthur free throws put Campbell back up by one, Jessica Bryant gave the Bulldogs the lead for good with two free throw of her own.
Trailing by three in the final minute, Campbell's Ashley Williamson hit a lay-up with 41 seconds left to cut the lead to one, and a defensive stop gave the Camels possession and a chance for the upset. The Bulldog defense smothered Campbell in the final seconds, and did not allow Arthur a clean look at the game-winning try.
Sophomore Laura Povilonyte led the offensive effort for the Bulldogs with 13 points, while Roundtree finished with 11 points and a game-high nine rebounds. Campbell senior Marlena Murphy led the Camels in her final game with 13 points and added in six rebounds.
The Bulldogs advance to Friday's semifinal round and will take on second-seeded Jacksonville. A victory would send Gardner-Webb to the championship round for the second time in three seasons. Campbell's season ends at 12-18.
