Texas Routes Gardner-Webb 98-50 in Opener
Texas moved to 2-0 to begin the 2026-27 season with a 98-50 win over Gardner-Webb at the Moody Center.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Basketball
Texas defeated Gardner-Webb 98-50 on Thursday night at the Moody Center. Matas Vokietaitis led the Longhorns with 16 points and seven rebounds, and seven Texas players reached double figures in scoring.
Why it matters
The win gives Texas a 2-0 start to the 2026-27 season and shows depth across its roster, with seven players scoring in double figures. Gardner-Webb's 22 turnovers and 33 percent shooting help define how the early-season matchup played out.
Texas had 24 dunks through its first two games, and Isaiah Johnson led the Longhorns' scoring with 15 points. Gardner-Webb shot 33 percent on 15 made field goals and committed 22 turnovers, while Texas held the visitors to 20 first-half points.
The players
Matas Vokietaitis
Vokietaitis is a Texas forward who led the Longhorns with 16 points and seven rebounds in the win over Gardner-Webb.
Isaiah Johnson
Johnson is a Texas guard who scored 15 points in the 98-50 victory over Gardner-Webb.
The details
Texas opened the game with highlight dunks, including a poster dunk by Elyjah Freeman and a fastbreak windmill slam. Marcus Spears Jr. and Joe Sterling each scored 13 points off the bench in the win.
Timeline
Thursday night: Texas defeats Gardner-Webb 98-50 at the Moody Center.
Next weekend: Texas plays Baylor in San Antonio.
Season Trajectory
Texas's 2-0 start to the 2026-27 season places it early in a campaign that will be shaped by its next test against Baylor. The win establishes early depth and scoring balance that will be measured against the Bears' matchup in San Antonio.
Fantasy managers tracking Texas players should note Vokietaitis's 16-point, seven-rebound performance and Johnson's 15 points. The Longhorns' depth, with seven double-figure scorers, suggests scoring production may be spread across the rotation.
The takeaway
Texas's balanced scoring and defensive pressure in the opener offer a clear picture of the roster's early strengths. Watching how the Longhorns handle Baylor will show whether that depth holds against stronger competition.
What happens next
Texas plays Baylor in San Antonio next weekend.
Further reading
For more on local college hoops, explore the Basketball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sports Illustrated.
