Runnin’ Bulldogs Drop Season Opener at No. 4 UConn - Gardner-Webb University Athletics

Monday, November 2

Hartford, Conn.

9 p.m.

Gardner-Webb University

0-1,0-0Big South

UCONN

1-0,0-0Big East

Team	1	2	F
Gardner-Webb	24	22	46
UConn	43	43	86

Photo by: Connor Sharp

November 02, 2026 | Men's Basketball

Box Score

By: Tony Venegas, Assistant AD of Strategic Communication

HARTFORD, Conn. — The Gardner-Webb men's basketball team opened its 2026-27 campaign Monday night against No. 4 UConn at PeoplesBank Arena, falling 86-46 to the Huskies.

The Runnin' Bulldogs battled against one of the nation's top programs but were unable to overcome an early deficit. Monday's contest marked the season opener for both teams.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Rue Wells made his collegiate debut in the starting lineup for the Runnin' Bulldogs, finishing with five points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Gardner-Webb struggled to find its rhythm offensively in the opening half, shooting 29.2 percent from the field. The Huskies took advantage, building a 43-24 lead at the break.
The Runnin' Bulldogs received contributions from several players as they looked to cut into the deficit. Jackson Skipper finished with eight points, five rebounds and three assists, while Seth Brown also scored eight points. Jamias Ferere added six points, and Mikhail Pocknett chipped in four points.
Gardner-Webb continued to battle in the second half, knocking down four three-pointers after halftime. However, UConn maintained its advantage behind an efficient offensive performance, shooting 51.7 percent from the field for the game.
The Huskies were led by Braylon Mullins, who finished with a game-high 20 points, including four three-pointers. Nik Khamenia added 14 points, while Na'Jai Hines recorded 12 points and a game-high 12 rebounds.
Sam Nosakhare led Gardner-Webb on the glass with eight rebounds, helping the Runnin' Bulldogs finish with 28 total rebounds.

UP NEXT

Gardner-Webb continues its opening road trip Thursday, Nov. 5, with a matchup against No. 7 Texas in Austin, Texas.
Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. Eastern, with the game set to air on SEC Network+.