Belmont Earns 88-78 Victory Over Bradley in MVC Showdown
In a Missouri Valley Conference tilt that highlighted shooting and late-game execution, the Belmont Bruins earned an 88-78 victory over the Bradley Braves on Thursday night. The star of the night was Tyler Lundblade, whose hot shooting pace helped Belmont build and then sustain a comfortable lead for the win. Belmont improves to 13-2 on the season and 3-1 in MVC play, continuing a strong start to conference action.
Lundblade’s 3-Point Gas Pedal
Lundblade poured in 25 points, a performance driven by lethal long-range efficiency. He went 7-for-11 from beyond the arc and added 4-for-4 from the charity stripe, turning a solid scoring night into a show of outside shooting that the Braves struggled to contain. His accuracy from three-point land not only boosted Belmont’s scoring, it also stretched Bradley’s defense and opened up looks for teammates down the stretch.
Supporting Cast Steps Up
Belmont’s win wasn’t the result of a single star performance alone. While Lundblade anchored the offense, the Bruins received important contributions from other guards and forwards who kept the pace up and applied pressure on Bradley’s ball handlers. The balanced attack helped Belmont weather Bradley runs and maintain separation in the final minutes of the game.
Game Flow and Key Moments
The Bruins opened with solid offense and withstood the Braves’ early resistance. Through the middle portion of the game, Belmont managed to create a double-digit lead, thanks in part to its ability to convert in transition and capitalize on Bradley’s turnovers. Although Bradley made a push to climb back into the contest, Belmont answered with timely baskets and stout defense to stop the momentum and preserve the lead.
What This Means for the Bruins
Moving to 13-2 overall and 3-1 in the MVC places Belmont among the conference contenders early in the season. The win reinforces the Bruins’ depth and shooting efficiency, two factors that have defined their successful run. With a strong home-court identity and a willingness to execute in late-game situations, Belmont is proving to be a tough matchup for other MVC programs.
What Bradley Takes From the Game
Bradley showed resilience and moments of offensive creativity, suggesting there are clear positives to build on as conference play continues. The Braves will likely look to tighten ball security, improve perimeter defense against top shooters, and refine late-game execution as they gear up for their next challenge in the MVC.
Key Statistics
Belmont: 88 points, strong three-point shooting, balanced scoring, effective late-game execution. Bradley: 78 points, competitive effort, but unable to keep pace with Belmont’s outside shooting and composure in crunch time.
Final Thoughts
The Thursday night clash offered a snapshot of why Belmont is considered a top-tier MVC team: accurate shooting from distance, disciplined defense, and a willingness to share the load across the lineup. Lundblade’s standout performance will be a talking point as Belmont looks to maintain its momentum in conference play, while Bradley takes what it can learn from a tough road test and refocuses for the next game.
