A Dominant Home Performance
The Texas Longhorns maintained their perfect start to the season on Thursday, November 5, 2026, by defeating the visiting Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs 98-50 at Moody Center in Austin. The home team’s early offensive surge established a comfortable lead that they never relinquished, resulting in a decisive victory that improved their record to 2-0.
With 10,807 fans in attendance, the atmosphere reflected the high level of play exhibited by the Longhorns, who controlled the tempo from the opening tip through the final buzzer.
Matas Vokietaitis Leads the Charge
Matas Vokietaitis was the standout performer for Texas, scoring 16 points to lead all scorers. His impact extended beyond the scoreboard, as he also secured 7 rebounds, anchoring the frontcourt. Vokietaitis contributed significantly in both halves, including key dunks and free throws that helped extend the lead.
His consistent presence in the paint and around the rim provided the Longhorns with a reliable scoring option throughout the contest. The combination of his inside scoring and rebounding efforts limited Gardner-Webb’s second-chance opportunities and kept the offensive flow moving in Texas’s favor.
Supporting Cast and Second-Half Control
Elyjah Freeman played a crucial facilitative role, dishing out 4 assists to connect with teammates for high-percentage shots. His court vision helped orchestrate the Longhorns’ offense, creating scoring chances for players like Austin Goosby and Isaiah Johnson. As the game progressed into the second half, Texas continued to build on their first-half advantage.
The Longhorns outscored Gardner-Webb 44-30 in the second half, maintaining their lead and ensuring the margin of victory remained substantial. The team’s balanced approach, with multiple players contributing on both ends, made it difficult for the visitors to mount a meaningful comeback.
Gardner-Webb’s Effort Falls Short
For Gardner-Webb, Mikhali Pocknett was the bright spot, scoring 12 points and grabbing 5 rebounds. Despite his individual efforts, the Runnin' Bulldogs were unable to keep pace with Texas’s offense. Jackson Skipper added 2 assists, attempting to move the ball efficiently, but the team’s overall scoring output was insufficient to challenge the home squad.
The final score of 98-50 reflects the disparity in performance, leaving Gardner-Webb with a 0-2 record. The Longhorns’ depth and execution proved too much for the visitors to overcome in this decisive matchup.
Sources
ESPN
