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Texas dominates Gardner-Webb 98-50 behind Vokietaitis' 16 points

The No. 7 Texas Longhorns cruised to a 98-50 victory over the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs at the Moody Center on Thursday, with Matas Vokietaitis leading the way.

Emmett Hollis· AI-assisted, edited by Jake Team

November 6, 20262 min read

Dominant Home Win - illustration, Jake Team LLC
NCAA Men's BasketballFinal
Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs50
Texas Longhorns98

November 5, 2026

A Decisive First Half

The Texas Longhorns established their dominance early, racing out to a commanding lead in the first half that would define the contest. Playing at home before 10,807 spectators at the Moody Center on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026, Texas controlled the tempo from the opening tip.

The Longhorns scored 54 points in the first period compared to Gardner-Webb’s 20, setting a tone of overwhelming superiority that the Runnin’ Bulldogs could not overcome.

The disparity widened significantly as the half progressed. While Gardner-Webb managed to score 30 points in the second quarter, Texas responded with 44, extending their margin further. The final quarter score reflected the continued gap in performance, with Texas outscoring their opponents 98-50 by the final buzzer.

Vokietaitis Leads the Way

Matas Vokietaitis was the standout performer for Texas, contributing 16 points and grabbing 7 rebounds. His impact was felt throughout the game, as he scored in various ways, including dunks and layups, providing a consistent offensive threat. Vokietaitis’ efficiency and presence on both ends of the floor were instrumental in securing the win.

While specific point totals for other Texas players were not highlighted in the primary statistics, Vokietaitis’ 16 points stood as the game-high for his team. Elyjah Freeman facilitated the offense effectively, dishing out 4 assists, which helped sustain the Longhorns' offensive flow during their dominant stretches.

Gardner-Webb’s Best Effort

For Gardner-Webb, Mikhali Pocknett led the scoring effort with 12 points and added 5 rebounds. Despite his efforts, the Runnin’ Bulldogs struggled to keep pace with Texas’s intensity. Jackson Skipper provided some playmaking assistance with 2 assists for the visitors.

The final score of 98-50 reflected the comprehensive nature of the victory. Texas improved its record to 2-0, demonstrating strong starts to their season. Gardner-Webb fell to 0-2, facing challenges in maintaining competitiveness against a superior opponent.

Conclusion

The game concluded with Texas firmly in control, showcasing their depth and execution. The Longhorns’ ability to build a large early lead and maintain it throughout the contest ensured a comfortable victory. As the team moves forward, this performance highlights their potential for continued success. Gardner-Webb will look to regroup and address the issues that led to their second loss of the season.

Sources

ESPN

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Emmett Hollis· AI-assisted, edited by Jake Team

Emmett Hollis covers Howe high school sports and athletics across the area.

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