UConn Dominates Gardner-Webb in Season Opener
Monday, November 2, 2026, 9:00 PM ET · PeoplesBank Arena
UConn Huskies 86, Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs 46, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs vs UConn Huskies?
UConn Huskies beat Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs 86-46 at PeoplesBank Arena on November 2, 2026.
The UConn Huskies showcased a commanding performance in their season opener, defeating the Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs with a final score of 86-46. This victory marks UConn's second consecutive win over Gardner-Webb, having previously triumphed in their last meeting. The game took place at PeoplesBank Arena, where UConn's home crowd witnessed an impressive display of basketball.
UConn entered the game with a home record of 1-0 and a recent form of 7-3 over their last ten games, despite a loss in their most recent outing against St. John’s Red Storm. The Huskies averaged 73.3 points scored and allowed 66.5 points in those matches, indicating a solid offensive and defensive balance. In contrast, Gardner-Webb was struggling, having a record of 0-1 for the season and just 1-9 over their last ten games, with an average of 69.2 points scored but a concerning 81.9 points allowed.
The home team’s recent performances included a mix of victories and defeats, with their last five games resulting in a record of 3-2, averaging 69.0 points scored and 65.2 points allowed. Gardner-Webb, on the other hand, faced a tough stretch, with a last five record of 1-4, averaging only 65.2 points while conceding 75.0 points per game.
UConn's home performance has been relatively strong, with a home record of 5-1 in their last six games. Gardner-Webb struggled significantly on the road, recording a 1-5 away record in their last six games, which contributed to their overall difficulties this season.
The odds for the game, provided by DraftKings, reflected UConn's dominance, with a spread of -41.5 and a total set at 147.5. This indicated a strong expectation for UConn to outperform Gardner-Webb significantly. The conditions of the game were favorable for UConn, as they played in front of a supportive home crowd, which often plays a crucial role in college basketball.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any significant player absences, allowing both teams to field their best lineups. This was particularly important for UConn, who relied on their key players to execute their game plan effectively.
As the game unfolded, UConn quickly established control, dominating both ends of the court. They showcased their offensive prowess with a series of scoring plays that highlighted their athleticism and teamwork. Notable moments included Jackson Skipper making a layup and Oskar Giltay executing a four-foot dunk, both of which contributed to UConn's growing lead.
The second half continued to see UConn extend their advantage, with various players contributing to the scoring. Na'jai Hines made a spectacular alley-oop dunk, while Egor Amosov added to the highlight reel with a one-foot dunk. Gardner-Webb struggled to keep pace, managing to score only 46 points throughout the contest, a testament to UConn's defensive efforts.
Overall, the game served as a strong statement from UConn as they look to build momentum for the remainder of the season. Their ability to score efficiently while maintaining a solid defensive front will be key as they progress. Gardner-Webb will need to regroup and address their defensive shortcomings if they hope to improve their performance in upcoming games.
What we said beforehand
The UConn Huskies are set to face off against the Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs on November 3, 2026, at the PeoplesBank Arena. This matchup marks the season opener for both teams, each coming in with a record of 0-0. UConn enters the game with a recent history of success, having won seven of their last ten games, while Gardner-Webb has struggled, winning just one of their last ten.
In their last five games, UConn has recorded victories against notable opponents, including a 73-57 win over the UCLA Bruins and a narrow 73-72 triumph against the Duke Blue Devils. Their recent form shows a scoring average of 73.3 points per game while allowing 66.5 points. However, they are coming off a loss to the Michigan Wolverines, which ended their winning streak at four games. UConn's home record is strong, having won five of their last six games at home, and they average 69.0 points while allowing 65.2 in their last five.
On the other hand, the Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs have faced a tough stretch, losing nine of their last ten games. Their only recent victory came against the South Carolina Upstate Spartans, where they won 65-64. In their last five games, Gardner-Webb has averaged 65.2 points scored while allowing 75.0 points. They have struggled particularly on the road, with a home record of 0-4 and an away record of 1-5 in their last ten games.
The odds for the game, provided by DraftKings, show UConn as significant favorites with a spread of -41.5 and a total set at 147.5. Both the over and under odds are listed at -110. This indicates a strong expectation for UConn to dominate the matchup, reflecting their recent form and home advantage.
In terms of player availability, the block did not specify any injuries, so both teams are presumably at full strength for this opening game. The lack of injury concerns could play a crucial role in how both teams perform, especially for Gardner-Webb, who will need all hands on deck to compete against a formidable UConn squad.
As the game approaches, viewers should watch for UConn's ability to leverage their home-court advantage and capitalize on Gardner-Webb's recent struggles. The Huskies will likely look to establish their scoring early, while Gardner-Webb will need to find ways to improve their defensive efforts to stay competitive in the game. With both teams eager to start the season on a positive note, this matchup promises to be an intriguing opener.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | CONN -41.5 | 147.5 o -110 / u -110 | Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs — · UConn Huskies — |
Leaders
- PointsBraylon Mullins20UConn Huskies
- AssistsSilas Demary Jr.8UConn Huskies
- ReboundsNa'jai Hines12UConn Huskies
- PointsJacob Hudson9Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs
- AssistsRue Wells2Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs
- ReboundsSam Nosakhare8Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs
Recent form
UConn Huskies
Last 10: 7-3Streak L173.3 scored · 66.5 allowed per game5-1 at home
- L52-72at St. John's Red StormMar 14
- W67-51vs Georgetown HoyasMar 14
- W93-68vs Xavier MusketeersMar 12
- L62-68at Marquette Golden EaglesMar 7
- W71-67vs Seton Hall PiratesFeb 28
- W72-40vs St. John's Red StormFeb 26
- W73-63at Villanova WildcatsFeb 21
- L84-91vs Creighton BluejaysFeb 19
- W79-75vs Georgetown HoyasFeb 15
- W80-70at Butler BulldogsFeb 12
Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs
Last 10: 1-9Streak L169.2 scored · 81.9 allowed per game1-5 away
- L59-81at High Point PanthersMar 6
- W65-64at South Carolina Upstate SpartansMar 5
- L61-71at South Carolina Upstate SpartansFeb 28
- L71-77vs UNC Asheville BulldogsFeb 27
- L70-82at Radford HighlandersFeb 20
- L66-75at Charleston Southern BuccaneersFeb 17
- L87-112vs High Point PanthersFeb 14
- L85-103vs Winthrop EaglesFeb 13
- L62-68at Presbyterian Blue HoseFeb 7
- L66-86vs Longwood LancersFeb 5
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Point | 1-0 | - | 0-0 |
| Longwood | 1-0 | - | 0-0 |
| Radford | 0-0 | - | 0-0 |
| Charleston Southern | 0-1 | - | 0-0 |
| Gardner-Webb | 0-1 | - | 0-0 |
| Presbyterian | 0-1 | - | 0-0 |
| South Carolina Upstate | 0-1 | - | 0-0 |
| UNC Asheville | 0-1 | - | 0-0 |
| Winthrop | 0-1 | - | 0-0 |
| Butler | 1-0 | - | 0-0 |
| Creighton | 1-0 | - | 0-0 |
| DePaul | 1-0 | - | 0-0 |
| Georgetown | 1-0 | - | 0-0 |
| Marquette | 1-0 | - | 0-0 |
| Providence | 1-0 | - | 0-0 |
| Seton Hall | 1-0 | - | 0-0 |
| St. John's | 1-0 | - | 0-0 |
| UConn | 1-0 | - | 0-0 |
| Xavier | 1-0 | - | 0-0 |
| Villanova | 0-1 | - | 0-0 |
Box score
| Stat | Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs | UConn Huskies |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 12-47 | 31-60 |
| Field goal % | 26 | 52 |
| Three-pointers | 6-19 | 9-29 |
| Three-point % | 32 | 31 |
| Free throws | 16-26 | 15-24 |
| Free throw % | 62 | 63 |
| Rebounds | 28 | 46 |
| Offensive rebounds | 4 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 24 | 37 |
| Assists | 5 | 20 |
| Steals | 5 | 10 |
| Blocks | 3 | 6 |
| Turnovers | 17 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 2 | 14 |
| Fast-break points | 3 | 21 |
| Points in the paint | 10 | 42 |
| Fouls | 19 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 0 | 41 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 0 | 97 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half20-41Silas Demary Jr. makes driving layup
- 1st Half22-41Mikhali Pocknett makes layup
- 1st Half22-42Colben Landrew makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half22-43Colben Landrew makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half23-43Jamias Ferere makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half24-43Jamias Ferere makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half27-43Seth Brown makes 23-foot three point jumper (Rue Wells assists)
- 2nd Half27-45Nik Khamenia makes layup (Silas Demary Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half27-48Braylon Mullins makes 32-foot three point jumper (Jayden Ross assists)
- 2nd Half27-50Jayden Ross makes 3-foot alley oop dunk (Braylon Mullins assists)
- 2nd Half27-53Braylon Mullins makes 22-foot three point jumper (Nik Khamenia assists)
- 2nd Half28-53Jacob Hudson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half29-53Jacob Hudson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half29-55Braylon Mullins makes 6-foot dunk
- 2nd Half29-57Colben Landrew makes layup (Silas Demary Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half30-57Ginuwine Tropnas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half33-57Seth Brown makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jackson Skipper assists)
- 2nd Half33-60Egor Amosov makes 25-foot three point jumper (Junior County assists)
- 2nd Half33-61Jayden Ross makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half34-61Seth Brown makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half35-61Seth Brown makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half35-64Nik Khamenia makes 24-foot three point jumper (Silas Demary Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half35-66Jayden Ross makes layup (Silas Demary Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half36-66Jamias Ferere makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half37-66Jamias Ferere makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half37-68Na'jai Hines makes layup (Silas Demary Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half37-70Na'jai Hines makes 9-foot jumper (Nils Machowski assists)
- 2nd Half37-73Braylon Mullins makes 25-foot three point jumper (Nils Machowski assists)
- 2nd Half38-73Rue Wells makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half38-75Oskar Giltay makes 7-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half38-77Colben Landrew makes 3-foot dunk
- 2nd Half41-77David Gaymon makes 23-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half43-77Jackson Skipper makes layup
- 2nd Half43-79Oskar Giltay makes 4-foot dunk (Colben Landrew assists)
- 2nd Half43-81Na'jai Hines makes 2-foot alley oop dunk (Colben Landrew assists)
- 2nd Half43-82Silas Demary Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half43-84Egor Amosov makes 1-foot dunk (Na'jai Hines assists)
- 2nd Half46-84Jackson Skipper makes 25-foot three point jumper (Ace Talbert assists)
- 2nd Half46-85Junior County makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half46-86Junior County makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours UConn Huskies, below favours Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs.
Venue
- PeoplesBank ArenaHartford, CT
Elsewhere
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- Aldridge leads East Texas A&M to stunning 68-64 win over Oklahoma
- Kanaan Carlyle scores 20 to lead Florida Atlantic over Long Island University 74-60 in opener
- Boston University beats Northeastern 93-85 as Azmar Abdullah scores 21
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