WICHITA, Kan. - Junior guard Sam Maniscalco (Chicago, Ill./St. Patrick H.S.) and senior guard Chris Roberts (Fort Worth, Texas/Dunbar H.S.) each set season-high scoring totals for Bradley (6-7 overall, 1-2 MVC), but a 10-0 run by Wichita State (13-2 overall, 2-1 MVC) to open the second half helped give the Shockers the lead for good in Missouri Valley Conference action Sunday at Charles Koch Arena.
Maniscalco opened the scoring for the Braves with tough drive to the hoop. He was fouled, hit his free throw, and Bradley led 3-0. A Wichita State three-pointer gave the Shockers a 19-17 advantage, but the Braves answered with back-to-back three-point plays from junior guard Andrew Warren (Indianapolis, Ind./Brebeuf Jesuit Prep) and Maniscalco to go up 23-19.
With the Shockers ahead by two, 29-27, sophomore center Anthony Thompson (Houston, Texas/Klein Forest H.S.) converted two free throws to tie the score at 29-29. Thompson put the Braves back up by two, 31-29, with a thunderous two-handed slam, assisted by freshman guard Jake Eastman (Richmond, Va./Douglas Freeman H.S.). Roberts drained a three to keep the Bradley lead at two, 38-36, but Wichita State's Toure' Murry answered with his own triple to give the Shockers a one-point halftime advantage, 39-38.
The Shockers returned from halftime hot, scoring the first 10 points of the second half to take an 11-point edge. Maniscalco connected from long range to end Wichita State's run and cut the Shockers' lead to eight, 49-41. Wichita State led by as much as 15 in the second half, but Bradley refused to go away.
Warren drained a three with 3:25 remaining to make it an eight-point game, 72-64, but the Shockers held on to win the game 81-69.
Maniscalco led all scorers with 20 points, while Roberts added 18 points and six rebounds. Warren also finished in double figures for the Braves with 13 points. Wichita State finished with five players in double figures, including JT Durley's team-high 19 points.
Bradley will return to action Wednesday, Jan. 6 for an MVC matchup with Indiana State at Carver Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
