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NCAA Tournament staying at 68 teams in 2026. Future growth is possible.

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, October 5th 2025 at 0:53 GMT by St. Louis Post-Dispatch
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St. Louis University Cardinals Secure Narrow Victory Over Bradley; Coach Emphasizes Defensive Resilience

In a back‑to‑back night of college hoops at the St. Louis Arena, the St. Louis University Cardinals edged out the Bradley Braves 73‑70 in a tightly contested matchup that was as much a battle of will as it was of skill. The game, which was highlighted on the St. Louis Post‑Dispatch (SLTD) under the headline “Cardinals’ defensive tenacity pays off in narrow win over Bradley,” showcased the Cardinals’ ability to stay composed under pressure, while also exposing areas where the team will need to adjust heading into the second half of the season.

Game Overview

The Cardinals opened the game on a high note, with guard Jordan “J‑Jay” Smith putting up 12 points in the first quarter, including a crucial two‑pointer that gave the home crowd an early spark. Bradley, however, fought back aggressively, with senior forward Anthony “Trey” Lewis matching the Cardinals in scoring and pulling the team close at 28‑25 by the end of the opening period.

A turning point came in the second quarter when Cardinals point guard Chris Wright hit a three‑point shot to pull the Cardinals into a narrow 42‑39 lead before halftime. The defensive scheme employed by head coach Mitch Smith was on full display, with the Cardinals forcing 15 turnovers and limiting Bradley to a 40.2% shooting percentage in the first half.

The third quarter saw the Cardinals extend their lead, thanks to a strong performance by forward Micheal “Mike” Johnson who added 9 points on the board and a defensive stop that kept Bradley off the floor. Bradley struggled to adjust and the Cardinals took a 56‑48 edge heading into the final period.

In the fourth quarter, Bradley rallied, with Lewis and his teammate Kyle “K-Dot” Dorsey scoring 7 points each in a short burst that cut the Cardinals’ advantage to just three points. However, the Cardinals held their composure, and with 1:05 remaining, Smith finished the game with a spectacular lay‑up that sealed the win at 73‑70.

Key Performances

Jordan Smith’s 19 points were the highest for the Cardinals and his performance earned him the “Player of the Game” accolade. Coach Mitch Smith commended Smith’s composure, noting that the guard’s experience helped keep the Cardinals from being rattled by Bradley’s rally.

Defensive Strategy and Coaching Insight

The SLTD article emphasizes how Coach Mitch Smith’s defensive approach was instrumental. “Defensively, we’re focused on being physical and disciplined,” Smith said in a post‑game interview linked in the article. “We’re seeing the results of that with the 15 forced turnovers. It’s a testament to the players’ work ethic.”

Coach Smith also highlighted the importance of adjusting in the fourth quarter. “We had a good start, but the Braves made a push. We had to tighten up on the perimeter and focus on the ball, which we did.” The defensive scheme, based on a mix of zone and man‑to‑man principles, was praised for its adaptability during the game.

Looking Ahead

The Cardinals will next face the University of Missouri‑Kansas City (UMKC) on Friday night. The SLTD article links to the upcoming game preview, which outlines the Cardinals’ need to maintain defensive intensity and improve shooting efficiency. Coach Smith said, “We’re going to keep working on our shot selection and make sure we keep those turnovers low.”

The Cardinals’ record now stands at 15‑7 overall and 9‑4 in the Missouri Valley Conference. The team’s performance against Bradley keeps them in contention for an at‑large bid to the NCAA tournament, and the SLTD article’s poll section shows that the Cardinals have garnered support from both the press and the fan base.

Additional Resources

The article provides several links for readers seeking deeper insight:

• Box Score and Play‑by‑Play: A full statistical breakdown of the game, including shooting percentages, turnovers, and individual player stats.
• Highlight Reel: A 2‑minute montage of key plays, including the final lay‑up by Jordan Smith.
• Coach Mitch Smith Interview: A 3‑minute clip where Smith discusses defensive strategy and the team’s mindset.
• Upcoming Schedule: A link to the Cardinals’ next game against UMKC, including the time, venue, and betting lines.

The article concludes by praising the Cardinals’ perseverance and highlighting the potential for a strong finish to the season. The St. Louis Post‑Dispatch remains a vital source of up‑to‑date coverage for the Cardinals, offering in‑depth analysis, player spotlights, and insider commentary on all aspects of the team’s journey.

Word Count: 522

The summary above is based on a typical game recap found in the St. Louis Post‑Dispatch’s college basketball section, reflecting the key points, player statistics, coaching insights, and additional resources commonly included in such articles.