Gardner-Webb Runnin Bulldogs vs High Point Panthers Picks and Predictions for Friday March 6 2026
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The Gardner-Webb Runnin Bulldogs face the High Point Panthers in the Big South Championship Quarterfinal on Friday March 6, 2026 at Freedom Hall in Johnson City, Tennessee. Tip-off is scheduled for 12:00 PM and the game will be broadcast on ESPN+. At the time of this writing the odds were not released for the moneyline, total, or spread. Be sure to check out our free college basketball picks for additional predictions and betting analysis from across the college basketball slate.
Gardner-Webb Hoping to Build on Recent Tournament Momentum
Gardner-Webb enters the Big South Tournament with a 4-28 overall record and a difficult 1-15 conference mark during the regular season. The Runnin Bulldogs have struggled away from home all year, but they come into this matchup with some momentum after they recently won over USC Upstate. Prior to that victory they recently lost to USC Upstate, recently lost to UNC Asheville, recently lost to Radford, and recently lost to Charleston Southern.
Offensively, Gardner-Webb averages 68.5 points per game while allowing 85.6 points per contest, which has been one of the toughest defensive profiles in the conference. The Bulldogs shoot 43% from the field while averaging 30.5 rebounds and 10.3 assists per game.
One of the challenges for Gardner-Webb has been controlling the game defensively and limiting opponent runs. The Bulldogs average just 2.4 blocks and 6.2 steals per game, and they have often struggled to keep opponents from pushing the tempo. If they are going to stay competitive in this tournament matchup, they will need to slow the pace and find consistent scoring opportunities.
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High Point Entering the Tournament as the Team to Beat
High Point comes into this quarterfinal matchup with an impressive 27-4 overall record and a dominant 15-1 record in Big South play. The Panthers closed the regular season on a strong run as they recently won over Presbyterian, recently won over Winthrop, recently won over UNC Asheville, recently won over Gardner-Webb, and recently won over USC Upstate.
The Panthers have been one of the most explosive offenses in the conference this season, averaging 90.7 points per game while allowing 70.4 points per contest. High Point also shoots an impressive 50% from the field while averaging 36.0 rebounds and 16.6 assists per game.
Defensively, High Point applies constant pressure with an aggressive style that generates 11.1 steals per game. That defensive activity often turns into transition scoring opportunities, which has been a big reason why the Panthers consistently build large scoring runs against opponents.
Gardner-Webb vs High Point Pick
Gardner-Webb vs High Point Pick
- High Point -15
High Point has been the dominant team in the Big South this season and they already showed how dangerous they can be against Gardner-Webb when they won that matchup by a wide margin earlier in the year. The Panthers have one of the most efficient offenses in the conference and they combine that scoring ability with strong defensive pressure. Gardner-Webb has struggled defensively all season, and against a high-powered offense like High Point it will be difficult for them to keep this game close.
Gardner-Webb vs High Point Total Pick
- Take the over if the total is set at 150
I expect High Point to push the pace in this matchup and force Gardner-Webb into an up-tempo game. The Panthers average over 90 points per game and often turn defensive pressure into quick transition baskets. If Gardner-Webb can contribute some offense of their own, this total should have a good chance of going over.
Final Score Prediction: High Point 94, Gardner-Webb 72
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