In a game they had to win, to stay atop the race for the region 1-AA men’s basketball title, Landrum’s Cardinals used fierce defense, especially in the fourth quarter, to edge out host St. Joseph’s Catholic, 52-49, on Tuesday (January 30), in spite of a modest scoring performance by Trey Smith.

The Cardinals raised their season mark to 17-4, and their region record to 6-1. St. Joe’s came into the game with a 4-2 regional record, and was obviously hungry to tack on another win.

Landrum head coach Lyn Smith pointed out that the “defense played great. St. Joseph’s slowed the game by stalling.” Trey Smith “was double and triple teamed all night.  He had a great game even though he only scored eight points.  He only had eight shot attempts (averages around 18 a game).  He had two huge steals when we were down one, (with) under a minute to play.

“Foster Bridges (21 points, eight rebounds) stepped up and had a great game!  He led us in scoring and rebounding!”

Picking up the Cardinal’s attack in addition to Bridges, were Manny Gonzalez (10) and Turner Ussery (14 points). To his eight points (including two threes), Smith added four steals and six assists. Like Smith, Gonzalez was two-of-three from three-point range.

The win allows the Cardinals to visit their toughest region opponent (Blacksburg, now 5-2) on Feb. 8. This Friday (February 2), they host Christ Church Episcopal, who topped the Cardinals earlier this month.