The upcoming matchup between the Bradley Braves and the St. Bonaventure Bonnies is generating excitement among college basketball fans, with tip-off set for 11 a.m. ET on YouTube. As the season opens, Bradley enters the game as a -1.5 point favorite, with a moneyline of -125, while the Total is set at 142.5 points.
Despite losing key contributors from last season, the Braves are looking to establish their dominance in the Missouri Valley Conference. Notably, Bradley’s recent successes were largely built on a strong shooting game, ranking in the top 20 for 3-point shooting percentage over the past two seasons. However, with the departures of players like Duke Deen, Almar Atlason, and Christian Davis, they face challenges in maintaining that prowess. Alex Huibregtse, a proven sharpshooter from his time at Wright State, is set to step up, but the effectiveness of newcomers Demarion Burch and Jaquan Johnson remains uncertain. Bradley’s strategy under head coach Brian Wardle will likely focus on a slower pace, emphasizing half-court execution.
On the other hand, St. Bonaventure has made strides to enhance their roster for the 2025-26 season, bringing in a deeper bench after struggling last year with an offense that shot just 31% from beyond the arc. Their promising additions, including Darryl Simmons II, Amar’e Marshall, and international guard Achille Lonati, aim to turn around their offensive efficiency which ranked 203rd in KenPom’s metrics last season. While their defense remains a concern, the Bonnies now boast a lineup that includes capable scorers and a stronger interior led by Frank Mitchell, who has shown the ability to secure double-doubles.
The prediction leans towards St. Bonaventure, particularly as they are perceived by analysts as undervalued in the preseason rankings. With new talent potentially boosting their scoring options, they seem to have a clearer picture of who their reliable players will be compared to Bradley. The critical factor will be their ability to contend with the formidable inside presence of the Braves, as they strive to contain the emerging talents of Corey Thomas and Ahmet Jonovic.
As both teams prepare for this challenging season opener, fans can anticipate a competitive game filled with intrigue as each squad aims to make a strong early statement. The Bonnies’ newfound depth and Bradley’s historical prowess set the stage for an exciting encounter in St. Bonaventure, NY.