Gardner-Webb Hosts East Tennessee State for Annual Education Day Game

Over 1,500 School Kids and Staff To Fill Paul Porter Arena

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The Gardner-Webb University women’s basketball team will tip off against East Tennessee State University (ETSU) in its annual Education Day game Tuesday morning (Nov. 12) at Paul Porter Arena.

The game will feature an earlier tip-off than usual, starting just after 11 a.m., as Gardner-Webb welcomes over 1,500 students and staff from six elementary schools across Cleveland and Rutherford counties. These young fans—from Boiling Springs, Cliffside, Forest City Dunbar, Springmore and Township Number Three elementaries and Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy—are expected to fill the arena with a high level of excitement, making for one of the most energetic and unique crowds in college basketball.

Senior guard Ashley Hawkins leads the Runnin’ Bulldogs, currently averaging over 15 points and five assists per game. Key contributors alongside Hawkins include sophomore guard Lauren Bailey, who scores 9.5 points per game and maintains a near-perfect 91% free-throw percentage; graduate forward Elze Motekaityte, who posts an average of 10.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and two blocks per game; and sophomore guard Anaya Harris, whose 3.5 steals per game rank her among national and conference defensive leaders.

Tuesday marks the ninth meeting between these former conference foes in the ASUN, with the all-time series tied at 4-4. The Runnin’ Bulldogs last defeated the Buccaneers, 78-72, in a neutral-site game in 2021, while ETSU claimed a 60-48 victory in their most recent matchup last December in Johnson City. This game will be only the third meeting between the teams in the past 15 years.

Gardner-Webb enters Tuesday’s contest with a 1-1 record, having opened the season with a 67-63 win over West Georgia on Nov. 4. The Runnin’ Bulldogs played a close game at Elon last Friday, ultimately falling 69-61. ETSU, currently 0-2, is coming off a tough road game against nationally ranked N.C. State, who defeated the Buccaneers 80-55 on Nov. 5, followed by a 55-48 loss at home to Jackson State on Saturday.

Fans unable to attend can watch the game live on ESPN+. Tickets for the general public are available at gwusports.com.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.