Peoria, Ill. - The Bradley Women's Basketball program (1-3) is riding positive vibes into its return to the 'true home' that is Renaissance Coliseum on Tuesday. The Braves defeated McNeese State on Saturday for the first win of 2022 and of the
Kate Popovec-Goss Era, and welcome NAIA member Missouri Baptist (4-2) to Peoria.
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BRADLEY AND THE AMC
Tuesday, although the first-ever meeting between Bradley and Missouri Baptist, official game or otherwise, it's actually not the first time the Braves have battled with the American Midwest Conference. That being said, it has been awhile. Bradley was narrowly defeated by the William Woods Owls on December 13th, 1978 in Peoria by a 63-60 final score.
THIS ONE COUNTS, KIND OF
An important thing to note going into Tuesday night's game as that it actually counts for the Braves only. Missouri Baptist is playing the game as an exhibition, whereas the Braves will be playing in their fifth regular season game of the 2022-23 campaign.
FEELS LIKE THE FIRST TIME
Saturday's win, as mentioned, was the first career win for first-year head coach
Kate Popovec-Goss, who was promptly doused with a fair amount of water upon entering the Carver Arena locker room.
DAIJA DOUBLE DOUBLE
11 was a magic number for
Daija Powell in the McNeese State win. The junior forward finished with a double-double on 11 points and 11 rebounds.
SIX FOR FITCH
In the McNeese State win, junior forward
Isis Fitch set or met six different career highs: 17 points, 1 three-pointer made, 4 free throws made, 5 assists, 4 steals, and 37 minutes played.
RUBA WITH THE PASS
Ruba Abo Hashesh dished out six assists in Saturday's win, the most by a Braves player this season.
EXPERIENCED SPARTAN FIGHTERS
Missouri Baptist brings an experience roster to Peoria, with only two sophomores and two freshmen.
In fact, the roster also features four graduate students, including Jalexis Russell, who transferred from now-MVC member Murray State.
BRADLEY APPROACHING A MILESTONE
Tuesday's game between Bradley and Missouri Baptist will be the 1,296th game in Bradley Women's Basketball history. The 1,300th game, if the schedule stays true, would fall on Friday, December 16th, when the Braves travel to Miami (Ohio).
