Gardner-Webb secures 2024 Mayan Division Championship with win against Bethune-Cookman

PLAYA DEL CARMEN, MX — Despite a sluggish start in both of their two games in Mexico, Gardner-Webb (4-3) came to life on their trip to Cancun. The Runnin' Bulldogs faced off against Bethune-Cookman (2-5) for the 2024 Cancun Challenge Mayan Division Championship at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya.

Bethune-Cookman jumped out to a fast start, leading 11-1, but by the 16-minute mark in the first half, Gardner-Webb responded with an 8-0 run of their own bringing the score to 11-9.

Gardner-Webb did not stop there and took control of the first half after their initial surge, heading into the locker room with a 43-28 lead. The Bulldogs drained 7-of-11 total shots from beyond the arch. Gardner-Webb standout Anthony Selden lead the charge with 16 points and four rebounds.

The Runnin' Bulldogs showcased a balanced offensive attack, with multiple players contributing to the title run. Jamaine Mann and Shahar Lazar both helped GWU's cause with 12 points a piece.

Selden kept the pace going in the second half, leading to a career-high 29 points in the victory.

Gardner-Webb will complete the last leg of the Cancun Challenge stateside, traveling to Nashville, Tenn. to face off against Belmont on Friday, Nov. 29. Bethune-Cookman will next head to Minnesota, to take on the Gophers on Sunday, Dec. 1.

‍