When looking at the Landrum vs. Blacksburg men’s final score of 40-36, you might think it a mistake—that it might be a half-time score. Actually, Blacksburg’s Wildcats slowed the game’s tempo, but maybe didn’t count on the gusto and precision with which the Cardinals’ Foster Bridges played in Landrum’s big region win.

After the Wildcats went up, 14-9, at the end of the first quarter, an observer noted that Landrum’s two All-State players (Bridges and teammate Trey Smith) hadn’t opened up yet, and that the Cardinals are a fine late-game team.

While Smith shot only modestly, Bridges did indeed help carry the Cardinals. Early in the second quarter, Bridges helped lead the Cards’ comeback, cutting the Wildcats’ lead to 16-13, and to 21-19. That later goal came after Smith’s baseline three-pointer. By the end of the second period, the score was tied at 23.

While Bridges was keeping the Cardinals close, Smith hit a two-pointer to up that lead to 27-25, before Manny Gonzalez followed up with a layup for another two, after grabbing an offensive rebound. Bridges hit another layup, this on a feed from Smith who stole the ball. The Cardinals scored 10 unanswered points, to eventually led, 33-25.

In the fourth quarter, Blacksburg was able to freeze Landrum’s lead at 38-33, but were unable to do any better, until cutting that lead to 38-35. A Blacksburg player appeared to shoot two-for-two from the free stripe, but officials nullified his second shot on a lane violation. With 7.4 seconds remaining in the contest, Bridges hit a two-pointer, helping the Cardinals earn that 40-36 win.

Landrum head coach Lyn Smith attributed much of his team’s success to defensive rebounding.

“We limited them to (mostly) one shot. Even though we struggled offensively, Foster Bridges came in. Foster had a really good night. We got the win,” Smith smiled. “We’re excited.”

Landrum and Blacksburg meet once more this season, on Feb. 8 (Landrum’s regular-season finale) in Blacksburg. Next opponent for the Cardinals is Chesnee, whom the Cardinals visit this Friday, Jan 26. On Jan. 30, the Cardinals visit St. Joseph’s Catholic.

The Cardinals upped their regular season mark to 15-4, and moved to 4-1 in region play.

On Monday, Jan. 22 the Cards beat up on Greer Middle College High School, as Smith (24 points) and Bridges (20) paced the winners.