Peoria, IL. The Bradley Braves are set to host the Merrimack Warriors in their first game back home since returning from the 2022-23 Cancun Challenge. 

Scouting the Warriors
Merrimack, in just their fourth year as a D1 program comes in as the preseason favorite to Northeastern Conference. The Warriors are currently 1-5 on the season with notable games played against Providence, St. Johns, and Troy. They are led by forward Jordan Minor who's averaging 17 points per game (DNP in Merrimack's last two games) and combo player Ziggy Reid who is the only other Warrior averaging double figures with 14 points per game.  Merrimack will need to look to their defense against Bradley. Merrimack averages a shade under 60 points per game and doesn't shoot over well at just 38% as a team. Merrimack has lost 4 games and will have to travel to Carver Arena where Bradley currently holds a 10-game winning streak.

Scouting the Braves
Bradley is returning home after dropping both games against #13 Auburn and Liberty in the Riviera Division of the Cancun Challenge. The Braves against Liberty struggled to score the ball with 17 points at halftime and shooting just 32% for the game as a team. Christian Davis was the biggest bright spot for the Braves, coming off the bench Davis tallied 8 points and recorded solid minutes at the 3 spot for the Braves who were still dealing with injuries to Rienk Mast, Ja'Shon Henry, Zek Montgomery and an illness to Pop Weathers. Malevy Leons was named to the all Riviera Division tournament team recording double figures in both games and finished off the Cancun Challenge with a 15 point 10 rebound double double and also chipped in 3 assists. A key for the Braves moving forward will be the 3pt line and namely Ville Tahvanainen. Ville has struggled from the field the last three games but the shooter from Finland has been know to Bradley looking to find it's wining ways after again suffering its first losing streak of the season. BU will be at home it's next two contests against Merrimack and it's MVC opener against Northern Iowa before traveling to Springfield, MO to take on Missouri State.

Where to Watch/Listen
You can stream Bradley vs Merrimack on ESPN+ with Brian Bedo and Matt McClain on the call or listen over the radio with 1470 WMBD. The game is set to tip off at 3pm from Carver Arena.