UNC Asheville Dominates Gardner-Webb in NCAAB Clash
Thursday, January 29, 2026, 6:30 PM ET · Kimmel Arena
UNC Asheville Bulldogs 69, Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs 50, 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 UNC Asheville Bulldogs?
UNC Asheville Bulldogs beat Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs 69-50 at Kimmel Arena on January 29, 2026.
Who was favored in Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs vs UNC Asheville Bulldogs?
UNC Asheville Bulldogs were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -2100 (about 95% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup, the UNC Asheville Bulldogs triumphed over the Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs with a final score of 69-50 at Kimmel Arena. This victory highlights UNC Asheville's strong home advantage and continues their success against Gardner-Webb, bringing their head-to-head record to 3-0 over the past two seasons.
Entering the game, UNC Asheville held a home record of 10-12, while Gardner-Webb struggled with a 3-20 record overall. The Bulldogs from UNC Asheville had been showing a mixed form recently, with a record of 5-5 in their last ten games and an average of 75.4 points scored against 71.6 allowed. Their last five games reflected a slight improvement, with an average of 76.6 points scored and 68.4 allowed, including a recent win against South Carolina Upstate Spartans, where they scored 83 points.
In contrast, Gardner-Webb's form has been concerning, with a record of 2-8 in their last ten games and an average of 67.7 points scored but a troubling 86.0 points allowed. They managed to secure a narrow win against South Carolina Upstate Spartans just before facing UNC Asheville, but their previous games had seen them struggle significantly, including a loss to Longwood Lancers by 35 points.
The game showcased UNC Asheville's capability to perform well at home, where they had a record of 3-2 in their last five home games. Gardner-Webb, however, has struggled on the road, failing to secure a win in their last four away games.
Historically, UNC Asheville has had the upper hand in their recent meetings with Gardner-Webb, winning both encounters in the previous season. Their latest matchup in February 2025 saw UNC Asheville winning 78-70 at home, and earlier that season, they also secured a 61-53 victory on the road.
In terms of injuries, the block does not specify any current injury concerns for either team, suggesting both squads were at full strength for this contest.
The betting market reflected a strong belief in UNC Asheville's dominance, with DraftKings setting the spread at -17.5 in favor of UNC Asheville, and the total points line at 149.5. The moneyline odds showed UNC Asheville at -2100 and Gardner-Webb at +1100, indicating a significant expectation of a home win.
Conditions for the game were favorable, with no adverse weather affecting the indoor venue. Fans could expect an exciting display of basketball, especially focusing on UNC Asheville's offensive capabilities and Gardner-Webb's attempts to counteract their scoring.
As the game unfolded, UNC Asheville maintained control, leading throughout the match. Key scoring plays included DJ Jefferson's driving layup and Toyaz Solomon's three-pointer, which helped solidify UNC Asheville's lead. Gardner-Webb struggled to find their rhythm, ultimately falling short as UNC Asheville's defense proved too strong.
In conclusion, this game not only showcased UNC Asheville's home prowess but also highlighted the challenges facing Gardner-Webb as they continue to seek improvements in their season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UNCA -17.5 | 149.5 o -115 / u -105 | Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs +1100 · UNC Asheville Bulldogs -2100 |
Leaders
- PointsDJ Patrick16UNC Asheville Bulldogs
- AssistsJustin Wright6UNC Asheville Bulldogs
- ReboundsDaniel Thomas13UNC Asheville Bulldogs
- PointsSpence Sims13Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs
- AssistsColin Hawkins2Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs
- ReboundsSpence Sims8Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs
Recent form
UNC Asheville Bulldogs
Last 10: 5-5Streak W175.4 scored · 71.6 allowed per game3-2 at home
- W83-69at South Carolina Upstate SpartansJan 21
- L67-69vs Winthrop EaglesJan 17
- L70-71at Presbyterian Blue HoseJan 15
- W91-72at Radford HighlandersJan 10
- W72-61vs Longwood LancersJan 7
- L83-86at Charleston Southern BuccaneersJan 3
- L69-87vs High Point PanthersDec 31
- L47-72at UAB BlazersDec 21
- W89-56vs Morris HornetsDec 18
- W83-73vs Kentucky Christian KnightsDec 16
Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs
Last 10: 2-8Streak W167.7 scored · 86 allowed per game0-4 away
- W67-65vs South Carolina Upstate SpartansJan 24
- L56-91at Longwood LancersJan 22
- L55-92vs Presbyterian Blue HoseJan 17
- L80-89vs Radford HighlandersJan 15
- L49-104at High Point PanthersJan 8
- L77-88at Winthrop EaglesJan 3
- L79-89vs Charleston Southern BuccaneersDec 31
- L52-94at Tennessee VolunteersDec 21
- W105-65vs Toccoa Falls EaglesDec 18
- L57-83vs Wofford TerriersDec 16
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Point | 31-5 | - | 15-1 |
| Winthrop | 23-11 | 2 | 13-3 |
| Radford | 16-16 | 6 | 9-7 |
| Longwood | 16-16 | 7 | 8-8 |
| UNC Asheville | 15-17 | 7 | 8-8 |
| Presbyterian | 15-18 | 8 | 7-9 |
| Charleston Southern | 15-17 | 9 | 6-10 |
| South Carolina Upstate | 13-19 | 10 | 5-11 |
| Gardner-Webb | 4-29 | 14 | 1-15 |
Box score
| Stat | Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs | UNC Asheville Bulldogs |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 20-52 | 23-53 |
| Field goal % | 38 | 43 |
| Three-pointers | 6-22 | 10-24 |
| Three-point % | 27 | 42 |
| Free throws | 4-7 | 13-21 |
| Free throw % | 57 | 62 |
| Rebounds | 30 | 38 |
| Offensive rebounds | 8 | 13 |
| Defensive rebounds | 22 | 25 |
| Assists | 8 | 16 |
| Steals | 5 | 7 |
| Blocks | 3 | 6 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 5 | 8 |
| Fast-break points | 9 | 11 |
| Points in the paint | 24 | 26 |
| Fouls | 17 | 10 |
| Largest lead | 0 | 23 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 0 | 95 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half15-28Justin Wright makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half18-28Spence Sims makes 25-foot three pointer (Colin Hawkins assists)
- 1st Half18-31DJ Patrick makes 25-foot three pointer (Toyaz Solomon assists)
- 1st Half20-31Spence Sims makes 8-foot floating jump shot (NaVuan Peterson assists)
- 1st Half20-34DJ Patrick makes 24-foot three pointer (Justin Wright assists)
- 1st Half22-34Colin Hawkins makes driving layup
- 1st Half24-34DJ Jefferson makes 3-foot dunk
- 1st Half27-34NaVuan Peterson makes 26-foot three point jumper (Spence Sims assists)
- 1st Half27-36Toyaz Solomon makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 1st Half27-39Justin Wright makes 24-foot three point jumper (Toyaz Solomon assists)
- 1st Half27-40Toyaz Solomon makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half27-41Toyaz Solomon makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half30-41Spence Sims makes 27-foot three pointer (Colin Hawkins assists)
- 2nd Half30-43Justin Wright makes 10-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half30-46DJ Patrick makes 25-foot three pointer (Toyaz Solomon assists)
- 2nd Half32-46Jacob Hogarth makes layup (Jacob Hudson assists)
- 2nd Half32-47Toyaz Solomon makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half32-48Toyaz Solomon makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half32-49Daniel Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half32-50Daniel Thomas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half34-50Spence Sims makes driving layup
- 2nd Half35-50Spence Sims makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half35-52Justin Wright makes 9-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half38-52Ace Talbert makes 27-foot three point jumper (Curtis Williams III assists)
- 2nd Half38-54Myles Mayfield makes layup
- 2nd Half38-56Justin Wright makes driving layup
- 2nd Half38-57Justin Wright makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half38-59Myles Mayfield makes 1-foot dunk (DJ Patrick assists)
- 2nd Half40-59Jamias Ferere makes layup
- 2nd Half40-61Daniel Thomas makes 3-foot dunk (Justin Wright assists)
- 2nd Half42-61Spence Sims makes layup
- 2nd Half42-63Daniel Thomas makes layup (Toyaz Solomon assists)
- 2nd Half44-63DJ Jefferson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half45-63DJ Jefferson makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half45-64Justin Wright makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half45-65Justin Wright makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half45-68Toyaz Solomon makes 25-foot three pointer (Justin Wright assists)
- 2nd Half48-68Ace Talbert makes 27-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half48-69DJ Patrick makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half50-69Jamias Ferere makes layup (NaVuan Peterson assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours UNC Asheville Bulldogs, below favours Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs.
Venue
- Kimmel ArenaAsheville, NC
- Attendance1016
- OfficialsJeff Pon, Joe Switzer, Jeremy Moiser
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond
Picks for NCAAB
NCAAB rules and settlement
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- UNC Asheville Tops Gardner-Webb in Close ContestFeb 26, 2026