UNC Asheville Tops Gardner-Webb in Close Contest
Thursday, February 26, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Paul Porter Arena
UNC Asheville Bulldogs 77, Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs 71, 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 UNC Asheville Bulldogs vs Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs?
UNC Asheville Bulldogs beat Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs 77-71 at Paul Porter Arena on February 26, 2026.
Who was favored in UNC Asheville Bulldogs vs Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs?
UNC Asheville Bulldogs were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -950 (about 90% implied). The favorite won.
In an exciting matchup at Paul Porter Arena, the UNC Asheville Bulldogs defeated the Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs with a final score of 77-71. This game was significant as it marked the fourth consecutive victory for UNC Asheville over Gardner-Webb in their recent meetings, extending their head-to-head record to 4-0. The game showcased the contrasting fortunes of both teams, with Gardner-Webb struggling throughout the season, while UNC Asheville has shown more resilience in their recent performances.
Gardner-Webb entered the game with a home record of 3-27 and had been on a rough patch, losing their last seven games leading up to this matchup. Their recent form was concerning, as they had only managed to secure one win in their last ten games, with an average of 66.4 points scored and 84.3 points allowed per game. In the last five games, they averaged 74.0 points scored but allowed 88.0 points, indicating defensive struggles that have plagued them throughout the season.
In contrast, UNC Asheville had a more favorable record of 14-15, displaying a balanced performance with a recent record of 5-5 in their last ten games. They entered the game on a one-game winning streak, having won their previous match against Radford with a narrow score of 74-73. The away team averaged 69.4 points scored and 68.9 points allowed in their last ten games, reflecting a more stable performance compared to their opponents. Their recent form included a scoring average of 66.8 points and an average of 69.2 points allowed in their last five games.
When considering home versus away performance, Gardner-Webb struggled significantly at home with a 1-4 record in their last five games, while UNC Asheville had a more balanced away record of 2-3 in their last five games. The home team’s inability to secure wins at home has been a critical factor in their disappointing season.
Injury reports did not indicate any significant absences for either team, allowing both squads to field their regular lineups. This was crucial for UNC Asheville, as they aimed to maintain momentum and build on their recent success.
The betting market reflected UNC Asheville's status as favorites, with DraftKings pricing them at -12.5, indicating a strong belief in their ability to win by a significant margin. The total points line was set at 145.5, suggesting expectations of a moderately high-scoring game.
The conditions during the game were typical for a late February matchup, with both teams looking to capitalize on their strengths. Viewers were treated to a competitive contest that saw key scoring plays from both sides. Notable moments included Spence Sims making a crucial three-point jumper and several free throws by Justin Wright and Toyaz Solomon, which helped secure the victory for UNC Asheville.
Despite the loss, Gardner-Webb showed resilience, particularly in the second half, where they managed to score 71 points overall. However, their defensive lapses ultimately cost them the game, as they allowed UNC Asheville to maintain a lead.
Overall, this fixture highlighted the struggles of Gardner-Webb in the current season while showcasing UNC Asheville's ability to capitalize on the opportunities presented to them. The result not only adds to UNC Asheville's confidence but also emphasizes the challenges Gardner-Webb will need to address as they look to improve their performance in the remaining fixtures.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UNCA -12.5 | 145.5 o -115 / u -105 | UNC Asheville Bulldogs -950 · Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs +625 |
Leaders
- PointsJacob Hogarth13Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs
- AssistsJacob Hogarth3Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs
- ReboundsJacob Hogarth7Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs
- PointsKameron Taylor24UNC Asheville Bulldogs
- AssistsKameron Taylor5UNC Asheville Bulldogs
- ReboundsKameron Taylor8UNC Asheville Bulldogs
Recent form
Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs
Last 10: 1-9Streak L766.4 scored · 84.3 allowed per game1-4 at home
- 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
- L50-69at UNC Asheville BulldogsJan 29
- W67-65vs South Carolina Upstate SpartansJan 24
- L56-91at Longwood LancersJan 22
- L55-92vs Presbyterian Blue HoseJan 17
UNC Asheville Bulldogs
Last 10: 5-5Streak W169.4 scored · 68.9 allowed per game2-3 away
- W74-73vs Radford HighlandersFeb 21
- L48-74at High Point PanthersFeb 20
- L57-58vs Presbyterian Blue HoseFeb 14
- W79-74at Longwood LancersFeb 13
- W76-67vs South Carolina Upstate SpartansFeb 4
- L71-84at Winthrop EaglesJan 31
- W69-50vs Gardner-Webb Runnin' BulldogsJan 29
- W83-69at South Carolina Upstate SpartansJan 21
- L67-69vs Winthrop EaglesJan 17
- L70-71at Presbyterian Blue HoseJan 15
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 | UNC Asheville Bulldogs | Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 27-55 | 25-53 |
| Field goal % | 49 | 47 |
| Three-pointers | 8-22 | 8-25 |
| Three-point % | 36 | 32 |
| Free throws | 15-24 | 13-18 |
| Free throw % | 63 | 72 |
| Rebounds | 39 | 23 |
| Offensive rebounds | 15 | 5 |
| Defensive rebounds | 24 | 18 |
| Assists | 10 | 12 |
| Steals | 3 | 5 |
| Blocks | 3 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 6 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 5 | 9 |
| Fast-break points | 2 | 3 |
| Points in the paint | 32 | 32 |
| Fouls | 12 | 20 |
| Largest lead | 10 | 7 |
| Lead changes | 8 | 8 |
| Time in front | 53 | 39 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half41-43Jamias Ferere makes 23-foot three point jumper (Colin Hawkins assists)
- 2nd Half43-43Toyaz Solomon makes 2-foot alley oop dunk (Kameron Taylor assists)
- 2nd Half43-44Spence Sims makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half43-45Spence Sims makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half44-45Kameron Taylor makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half44-48Spence Sims makes 25-foot three point jumper (DJ Jefferson assists)
- 2nd Half46-48Kameron Taylor makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half46-49Jacob Hogarth makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half46-50Jacob Hogarth makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half48-50DJ Patrick makes 12-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half48-53DJ Jefferson makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half48-55Colin Hawkins makes driving layup
- 2nd Half50-55Justin Wright makes driving layup
- 2nd Half53-55Kameron Taylor makes 27-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half53-57Ace Talbert makes driving layup
- 2nd Half55-57Kameron Taylor makes 10-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half55-59Jacob Hudson makes 1-foot dunk (Jacob Hogarth assists)
- 2nd Half58-59Justin Wright makes 27-foot three point jumper (Toyaz Solomon assists)
- 2nd Half58-60Curtis Williams III makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-61Curtis Williams III makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half59-61Justin Wright makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-61Justin Wright makes driving layup
- 2nd Half61-63DJ Jefferson makes 2-foot dunk (Colin Hawkins assists)
- 2nd Half63-63Toyaz Solomon makes 4-foot alley oop dunk (Kameron Taylor assists)
- 2nd Half63-65Jacob Hogarth makes layup (Colin Hawkins assists)
- 2nd Half65-65Kameron Taylor makes 5-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half66-65Kameron Taylor makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half67-65Kameron Taylor makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-65Kameron Taylor makes 7-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half70-65Kameron Taylor makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-65Kameron Taylor makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-65Kameron Taylor makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-66Spence Sims makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-66Justin Wright makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-66Justin Wright makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half75-66Toyaz Solomon makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half76-66Toyaz Solomon makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-69Spence Sims makes 27-foot three point jumper (Jacob Hudson assists)
- 2nd Half77-69Toyaz Solomon makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half77-71Jamias Ferere makes layup (Ace Talbert assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs, below favours UNC Asheville Bulldogs.
Venue
- Paul Porter ArenaBoiling Springs, NC
- Attendance458
- OfficialsMark Schnur, Ben Stirt, Justin McKie
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