Gainey ends Gardner-Webb’s season at buzzer

Gardner-Webb’s bench looks on as Runnin’ Bulldogs drop heartbreaker in quarterfinals to USC Upstate. (Photo by Gardner-Webb Athletics)

By Jacob Conley (@gwujake)

CHARLOTTE — There have been plenty of big shots hit in March over the years, and now Jordan Gainey can add his name to the list. 

Gainey scored six of his 25 points in the final 16 seconds to turn a five-point deficit into a one-point win as USC Upstate defeated Gardner-Webb at the buzzer, 77-76, in the quarterfinals of the Big South Conference tournament.

Lucas Stieber gave GWU the early lead with a three. Justin Bailey answered with a triple of his own for Upstate as the Spartans led, 7-6, at the first media stoppage. Caleb Robinson connected on a pair of driving layups for an 11-7 lead but Trea Broadnax converted a 3-point play as the Spartans tied the game at 13.

GWU then ran into foul trouble, as three starters collected two personal fouls midway through the first half, allowing Upstate to pull ahead from the line, 23-17. The Runnin’ Bulldogs responded with a 7-0 run capped on a Kareem Reid dunk to take a 25-24 lead. The teams continued to go back and forth, but GWU took a 30-29 lead on a Stieber three. An Anthony Selden bucket allowed GWU to remain in front at halftime, 35-32.

GWU opened the second half on 4-0 run thanks to a post move by Reid. Gainey scored the next seven Spartan points, including an off-balance three, but Reid continued to dominate the post. Gainey  stopped the run with a jumper and by the time Broadnax hit two free throws, the Spartans had tied the game at 51 with 12:16 left in regulation.

The game continued to swing back and forth, but a pair of Reid free throws and a Selden three from the corner put GWU ahead, 63-57 with 8:14 left in the game. The Bulldogs kept that six-point lead on a follow slam and foul shot. After DQ Nicholas hit a pair of foul shots, they led, 68-60. Upstate responded wth a 5-0 run to cut the deficit to 68-65 with 3:36 left. The Runnin’ Bulldogs built on that lead in the final moments before Gainey’s heroics.

THE FINAL SEQUENCE: After Selden knocked down two big free throws to put Gardner-Webb up 76-71, Gainey sank a pull-up three with six seconds left. Stieber tried to inbound the ball, but Mysta Goodloe stole the pass and found Gainey. He sidestepped a defender, took one dibble and banked in the game-winner.

“I did not call bank,” he said with a laugh.

A GUT PUNCH FOR GARDNER-WEBB: Gardner-Webb has had its share of close games throughout the season and in the Big South tournament. Last season, the Runnin’ Bulldogs were on the other side of the coin, having defeated Campbell by one.

“It feels totally different,” head coach Tim Craft said. “March is always an emotional time, win or lose, but to lose like that is especially tough. It’s hard to put into words right now because our season just ended, but it’s tough for sure.”

CALLING IT A CAREER: The senior duo of Reid and Selden carried the team on their shoulders, scoring a combined 35 points pacing five GWU players in double figures. Ludovic Dufeal and Quest Aldridge also played their final games in a GWU uniform.

UP NEXT: USC Upstate (16-14) lives to fight another day, facing UNC Asheville tomorrow in the semifinals at noon. Gardner-Webb’s season ends at 15-16.