NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Jason Dawson scored 18 points and Gardner-Webb played tough defense down the stretch to beat Lipscomb 74-71 on Sunday night.

Dawson, who also grabbed five rebounds, scored eight of his points during critical junctures in the game. His jumper with 6:00 remaining in the half gave Gardner-Webb a 60-59 lead. Two minutes later, Dawson hit two free throws to give the Bulldogs a 64-62 lead. His final bucket, another free throw, extended Gardner-Webb's lead to 71-67 with only 16 seconds left to play.

Stefon Johnson and Max Landis both scored 11 points for Gardner-Webb (1-1). Johnson added six rebounds, and his offensive rebound and tip-in with 3:26 to go gave the Bulldogs a 66-64 lead.

Zavion Williams scored 20 points, leading four Lipscomb (1-1) players in double digits. Jacob Arnett and Martin Smith scored 13 points and Malcolm Smith added 10 from the bench.

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