ST. LOUIS - Bradley reserve Chris Blake is using his final year of eligibility during the 2013-14 season, according to a final verdict issued by the NCAA Appeals Committee Wednesday.

A 6-foot-7 post player from San Antonio, Texas, Blake is completing his first year at Bradley after transferring from Lee College, a junior college in Baytown, Texas, where he played for two seasons from 2011-13.  The NCAA has determined, however, that his eligibility clock began during the 2010-11 season, when he was believed to be redshirting as a true freshman at Air Force Academy.  Blake participated in multiple junior varsity games against teams from military base programs during the 2010-11 season, though, and as a result, the NCAA has ruled that season his first year of eligibility.

"We are disappointed with the ruling and feel bad for Chris," said third-year Braves head coach Geno Ford.  "He has been a fantastic member of our team and the Bradley University community and we will continue to support him through the completion of his degree."

Part of a 3-man rotation at center, Blake has played in all 31 games at Bradley this season, averaging 1.0 points and 2.5 rebounds per game.

Bradley (12-19, 7-11 MVC) begins play in the Missouri Valley Conference Men's Basketball Championship Thursday in the 8:30 p.m. first-round game versus No. 10 seed Loyola Chicago (9-21, 4-14 MVC).  Thursday's Bradley-Loyola winner advances to the 6 p.m. quarterfinal game versus No. 2 seed Indiana State.