Bradley vs St. Bonaventure Prediction, Preview, and Betting Analysis

The St. Bonaventure men’s basketball team will officially open its 2025–26 season against the Bradley Braves on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 11 a.m. ET. The matchup, set in Rock Hill, South Carolina, marks the start of the Field of 68 Opening Day Marathon. Fans can catch the game live on YouTube, the Bonnies Online Network, and Bradford 100.1 FM. After a commanding 61-point exhibition victory over Division III Alfred, the Bonnies enter this game ready to test their new-look roster against one of the top teams in the Missouri Valley Conference.

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A Fresh Start for the Bonnies

Head coach Mark Schmidt faces a familiar challenge this year. For the third straight season, the Bonnies will feature an almost completely rebuilt squad. Of the 13 players on the roster, 11 will make their St. Bonaventure debut. The only returnees are 6-foot-2 guard Dasonte Bowen, who missed last season due to injury after transferring from Iowa, and 6-foot-10 center Xander Wedlow from Detroit University Prep.

Among the newcomers are several high-profile transfers and international players. The list includes 6-foot-8 forward Frank Mitchell (Minnesota, Canisius, Humber), 6-foot-10 forward Joe Grahovac (Fullerton), and 6-foot-4 guard Amar’e Marshall (Albany, Hofstra). International additions such as 6-foot-9 center Andrew Usasuyi (Italy) and 6-foot-5 guard Achille Lonati (Italy) add more depth and versatility to the roster. This combination of athleticism and global experience gives the Bonnies a unique blend of talent heading into the season.

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Bradley Braves Preview: Experience and Adjustments

The Bradley Braves, coming off a 28–9 season and an NIT quarterfinal run, enter this game as the slight favorite (-1.5) according to DraftKings. Despite their strong record, Bradley faces its own roster adjustments. Key shooters Duke Deen, Almar Atlason, and Christian Davis are gone, leaving the Braves searching for new offensive leaders.

Head coach Brian Wardle, now in his tenth season, prefers a slower tempo, focusing on half-court execution. This methodical style has worked well, but replacing Deen’s late-shot-clock composure will be a challenge. Wright State transfer Alex Huibregtse is expected to fill that shooting void, while big men Ahmet Jonovic and Corey Thomas provide strong interior presence. Still, Bradley’s offensive efficiency may take time to develop early in the season.

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Bonnies’ Depth and Offensive Potential

One of the biggest differences for St. Bonaventure this season is depth. Last year, the Bonnies struggled offensively, ranking 203rd in KenPom’s offensive efficiency and shooting only 31% from beyond the arc. Coach Schmidt addressed that issue through recruiting. New guards like Darrell Simmons II (Gardner-Webb) and Achille Lonati bring much-needed shooting accuracy and quick ball movement.

Simmons, a dynamic playmaker despite his smaller frame, is expected to form a strong backcourt duo with Bowen. Meanwhile, versatile forwards Frank Mitchell and Daniel Egbuniwe add rebounding power and defensive presence inside. This new lineup could transform St. Bonaventure into a much more balanced and fast-paced team compared to last year’s unit.

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Key Matchups to Watch

The most crucial battle will take place in the paint. Bradley’s bigs—Jonovic and Thomas—bring height and strength, but they’ll face tough competition from St. Bonaventure’s Frank Mitchell. Mitchell’s rebounding and scoring ability could tilt the game in the Bonnies’ favor. On the perimeter, watch for Simmons and Lonati to test Bradley’s defensive rotations.

Containing Thomas will be vital for St. Bonaventure. He has the potential to dominate the interior, but if the Bonnies can limit his production, they’ll have a strong chance of pulling off the upset. The guard trio of Bowen, Marshall, and Lonati should also create enough offensive pressure to challenge Bradley’s half-court defense.

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Prediction: Bonnies Moneyline +105

This matchup is as close as it gets, but the edge goes to St. Bonaventure. The Bonnies are deeper, more versatile, and arguably more undervalued than their early-season odds suggest. While both teams lost key players, St. Bonaventure has a clearer sense of where its scoring will come from. Expect the Bonnies to rely on Simmons’ quickness, Mitchell’s inside game, and Lonati’s shooting touch to secure a narrow win.

Final Prediction: St. Bonaventure ML +105
Projected Score: St. Bonaventure 74, Bradley 70

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What’s Next for St. Bonaventure

After facing Bradley, the Bonnies will return home for a four-game homestand at the Reilly Center. They’ll host Canisius in their home opener on Saturday, followed by Siena (Nov. 12), Youngstown State (Nov. 15), and Robert Morris (Nov. 20). With early wins, this new-look roster could quickly establish itself as one of the most intriguing mid-major programs to watch this season.