A Decisive Home Victory
Matas Vokietaitis led the Texas Longhorns to a commanding 98-50 victory over the Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs on Thursday, November 5, at Moody Center in Austin. The home team, ranked No. 7, dominated the contest from the opening tip, securing their second win of the season to improve to a 2-0 record.
Conversely, Gardner-Webb fell to 0-2, struggling to contain the Longhorns' offensive surge in front of a crowd of 10,807. The final margin of 48 points underscored the disparity in performance between the two squads in this non-conference matchup.
First-Half Dominance
Texas established early control, leading 54-20 at the halftime break. The Longhorns outscored the Bulldogs 34 points in the first half alone, setting a tone that proved difficult for the visitors to overcome. Vokietaitis was a constant presence in the paint, finishing with 16 points and 7 rebounds for the game.
His efficiency was matched by Elyjah Freeman, who facilitated the offense with 4 assists. The Longhorns' ability to convert high-percentage shots and secure rebounds allowed them to build a comfortable lead before the second half commenced, leaving little room for Gardner-Webb to adjust their strategy.
Second-Half Continuation
The momentum carried into the second half, where Texas added 44 points to their total while holding Gardner-Webb to 30. Although the scoring pace remained high for the home team, the decisive nature of the game was already set by the end of the first period.
Mikhali Pocknett was the leading scorer for Gardner-Webb, tallying 12 points and 5 rebounds, while Jackson Skipper contributed 2 assists. Despite these individual efforts, the Bulldogs could not bridge the significant gap in scoring efficiency. The Longhorns' balanced attack, featuring contributions from multiple players, ensured they maintained their lead throughout the final minutes of the contest.
Season Context
With this win, Texas extends their undefeated start to 2-0, solidifying their position as a top contender in the conference. The performance at Moody Center highlights the team's depth and offensive capability early in the 2026-2027 season. For Gardner-Webb, the 0-2 record signals an early-season challenge, as they look to refine their defensive schemes and offensive execution in upcoming games.
The 98-50 result serves as a clear benchmark for the level of play required to compete with elite programs like the Longhorns.
Sources
ESPN
