BOILING SPRINGS – Gardner-Webb will play its third-straight home game to open the 2009-2010 basketball season Saturday, hosting Methodist (N.C.) at 7:00 pm in Paul Porter Arena.

The Runnin’ Bulldogs (2-0) are off to a fast start, averaging 89.0 points and 23.0 assists in their first two outings. Strong shooting (51.1 percent) from the floor, rebounding (47.0 rpg) and defense (51 forced turnovers) have led to the pair of blowout wins.

Wing Jonathan Moore (6-4, 190, Jr.) has been the team’s most consistent scorer, averaging 13.5 points per game and shooting an effective 62.5 percent from the floor individually. The Rogers, Ark., native has scored a combined 27 points in just 33 minutes of total action so far.

Center Auryn MacMillan (6-8, 235, Sr.) is averaging a double-double in just 18.5 minutes per game, posting 12.0 points and 10.0 rebounds to go with 4.0 blocked shots in the paint.

Newcomer David Brown (6-2, 180, So.) and veteran C.J. Hailey (6-0, 190, Sr.) are each averaging 11.0 points per game, while athletic forward Stefon Johnson (6-6, 215, Fr.) is posting 9.5 points per game by shooting 75.0 percent. Johnson, who is capable of playing three positions on the front line, has six dunks in two games for the Runnin’ Bulldogs – who have scored a combined 50 points via the fast break this season.

The team’s primary ballhandlers, Brian McNair (6-0, 165, Fr.) and Grayson Flittner (6-0, 200, Sr.) have combined for 20 assists and only three turnovers in the first two games, which has allowed their teammates several easy looks at the rim – both in transition and the half court.

Head coach Rick Scruggs has 11 players currently averaging more than 10 minutes per game.

Tickets for Saturday’s game are available at the door.