Bradley Braves coach sets program record for MVC wins

Brian Wardle surpasses former coach Jim Molinari for most conference victories in school history.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Bradley Braves men's basketball head coach Brian Wardle has set a new program record for most coaching victories in Missouri Valley Conference games. Wardle's 70-60 win over Southern Illinois on Sunday gave him 99 MVC wins, surpassing the previous record held by former BU coach Jim Molinari.

Why it matters

Wardle's achievement cements his legacy as one of the most successful coaches in Bradley Braves history. The Braves have been a consistent contender in the MVC under Wardle's leadership, and this record is a testament to his ability to win games against the program's conference rivals.

The details

Wardle, who is in his 11th season as Bradley's head coach, recorded his 99th MVC win on Sunday, passing Molinari's previous record of 98 conference victories. The Braves defeated Southern Illinois 70-60 to give Wardle the new program mark.

  • Wardle set the new record on Sunday, February 16, 2026.

The players

Brian Wardle

The head coach of the Bradley Braves men's basketball team, who has led the program to consistent success in the Missouri Valley Conference.

Jim Molinari

The former head coach of the Bradley Braves men's basketball team, whose previous record for most MVC wins Wardle has now surpassed.

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What they’re saying

“I always liked to study the history and legacy of a program,”

— Brian Wardle, Head Coach

What’s next

Wardle and the Braves will look to continue their strong conference play and make a push for the MVC tournament championship in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Brian Wardle's record-setting achievement cements his status as one of the most successful coaches in Bradley Braves history, and demonstrates the program's consistent competitiveness under his leadership in the Missouri Valley Conference.