Peoria, Ill. - Bradley Women's Basketball (0-3) has faced a tough slate to open up the Kate Popovec-Goss Era. Two road games against power five conference opponents, plus a home game against a program that had made the Sweet 16 a year ago. Now, the Braves turn their attention downtown. Bradley will battle with the McNeese State Cowgirls (X-X) of the Southland Conference in the first Women's Basketball regular season game at Carver Arena in nine years. 

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HOW THE BRAVES MATCH UP
Bradley is coming off of a 103-49 loss at Wisconsin in which the Braves surrendered their most points in eight years (Oklahoma - 2014; scored 104).

The Badgers seemingly couldn't miss, ultimately shooting 63.9% from the field by game's end, assisting on 34 of 39 made baskets, and the aforementioned 54-point margin, all either tying or breaking Wisconsin program records. The Badgers also made 14 three-pointers. 

Bradley's scoring efforts were paced by Caroline Waite (11), Isis Fitch (11), and Alex Rouse (8). Waite shot 4-7 from the field, including 3-4 from three. 

Wisconsin native Callie Ziebell led the Braves in offensive (3) and total (6) rebounds for the game. 

Rouse added 4 assists and a 2-2 trip at the free throw line, while Fitch also went 2-2 at the charity stripe.

The Braves nearly played identical scoring quarters, with their totals going 12, 12, 13, and 12 in that order. The Badgers countered with nearly three 30-point quarters, including hitting that number in the first and second quarters. 

ABOUT THE COWGIRLS
McNeese State is coming off of a 100-38 loss at Illinois on Wednesday. The Cowgirls shot 15.9 percent (10-63) from the field and went 2-25 from behind the arc. No starter made more than one field goal, with three players off of the bench all making two to lead the way. 

The Cowgirls had 12 points at halftime after single-digit quarters of seven and five points to start the game. 

Perhaps their biggest offensive bright spot was Le'Shenae Stubblefield. Stubblefield shot 2-5 from the field, went 8-12 at the free throw line, and brought in four rebounds. 

McNeese State is in the middle of a frankly brutal non-conference schedule. Among the opponents are Illinois (Big Ten), Ohio State (Big Ten), Xavier (Big East), Ole Miss (SEC), and Texas Tech (Big 12). 

At the time the Cowgirls play the Braves on Saturday, it will be in the middle of a four-game road trip for McNeese State, which will be their longest of the season by plenty. Although, the Cowgirls only have three home games the rest of the calendar year. 

INDIRECT CONNECTION
Although not traveling with the Women's Basketball team for the Cowgirls, they do have a former Brave in the department. Gabi Haack, the Women's Basketball program's all-time leading scorer with 1,811 points, is now a Strength & Conditioning coach for the Cowgirls. Haack is assigned to the McNeese State volleyball program. 

LIVING IN THE HALL OF FAME
The Bradley Men's Basketball program will play SEMO after the women's game. During halftime of the men's game, the Hall of Fame Class of 2022 will be honored, featuring women's golfer Bari Evans and the 2005-06 Men's Basketball team that made it to the Sweet 16. 

WHAT'S AHEAD
After Saturday's tilt with McNeese State, the Braves return to their 'true' home of Renaissance Coliseum to battle NAIA member Missouri Baptist on Tuesday, November 22nd. The game tips off at 7PM and will serve as an exhibition contest for the Spartans, despite counting as a regular season game for Bradley.