Cancun, Mexico. The short-handed Bradley Braves fall to #13 ranked Auburn in the Riveria Division first round of the Cancun Challenge 85-64.

Auburn Recap

Auburn's length and size were on full display early in the first half. The Tigers crashed the glass and out-rebound the Braves 33-26. The Tigers also claimed the battle in the paint with a decisive edge of 46-26. It was not all gloom and doom for the Braves, as Connor Hickman got the Braves going early with a quick 13 points highlighted by a fade-away three in the corner to pull Bradley back within single digits. As the first half closed the Tigers would lead by 13 heading into the due in large part to Jaylin Williams who had 10 to lead the Tigers in scoring. Bradley would hang around with AU but never got back within 10. The Tigers recorded their best shooting night of the season. AU came into the night only making roughly 25% of their 3pt shots and finished north of 40% as a team against Bradley. Duke Deen and Connor Hickman lead all scorers with 15 points each. While Auburn collected double-digit scoring performances from 5 different Tigers.

Bright spots for Bradley

Connor Hickman after missing last Saturday's game against SEMO didn't skip a beat. Hickman chipped in a quick 13 first-half points along with three assists and a solo rebound. Duke Deen also picked up his scoring pace in the second half collecting a couple of threes to push him into double figures at 15 on the night. Bradley's defense was also able to win the turnover battle by turning over the Tigers fifteen times. The Braves were also able to cut down on some of the foul trouble the plagued them against SEMO. Only three Braves recorded more than two fouls, with Connor Linke being the long disqualification on fouls late in the contest. BU is also giving great minutes to players who may not have seen a large share of time this season. Bradley has been known for making runs in the middle and later portions fo the season so look for these spot starters to benefit later this season due to Bradley's injury issues. 

Looking Ahead

Bradley will await the loser of Liberty and Northwestern in the first game in the Riviera Division on Wednesday. Bradley will then return home to Peoria for a matchup with Merrimack on Saturday. Bradley vs Liberty/Northwestern can be streamed on CBSSN or listened to on the radio with 1470 WMBD.