Peoria, IL - The Bradley Braves started the 2022-23 season on the front foot beating Wisconsin-Parkside 93-59. 

For the Braves

The Braves flexed their muscles in a big way defensively, forcing 16 Ranger turnovers.  Bradley didn't hesitate to capitalize on those turnovers collecting 30 points compared to Parkside's 5 points off of turnovers. BU's depth was also in full effect out scoring Parkside's bench 42-17. Other stand-out team stats were Bradley's hot start from the field finishing with a total field goal percentage of 56% and 50% from behind the 3-point line. 

For the Rangers.

You can't tell the story of the Ranger without mentioning their big man Jamir Simpson. The forward was the steady hand for Parkside putting up 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists. Colin O'Rouke was the only other Ranger to finish in double figures with 13 points, and just a single rebound and assist. Parkside ended the game shooting 41% from the field and just 6-25 from the 3-point line for a total of 24%. 

Bradley's High Flying 5-Man  

If there were any questions about Darius Hannah and his ability to be an effective 5-man for the Braves, they were quickly laid to rest. Hannah could be seen all over the floor (and flying high above it) with his 4 alley-op dunks, 3 steals, a solo block, and 7 rebounds to polish off his 16 points which is a new career high.

BU Finds Its Shooting Touch

Bradley's guards also showed up big as Connor Hickman, Zek Montgomery, and Ville Tahvanainen combined to go 8/13 from behind the arc. Ja'Shon Henry also made his presence known off the bench with a game-high 19 points going 7-7 from the floor and 5-5 from the charity stripe. Bradley finished shooting 74% from the line, a far better number than the 38% in their season-opening exhibition last Wednesday. 

Bradley will be back in action on Friday, Nov. 11th in Logan, Utah when they play the Utah State Aggies. The game can be streamed on the Mountain West Network or on the radio with 1470 WMBD.