The Braves were looking to bounce back after yesterday's loss to Stephen F. Austin and found themselves in a close game against FIU.

The Braves started the game off slow, only shooting 4 of 15 from the floor in the first quarter, also going 0-7 from behind the arc. FIU shot 41% in the first quarter and found themselves heading into the second with a 17-9 lead. Things changed in the second quarter as Bradley outscored (23-12) and out-rebounded (11-6) FIU in the second quarter, giving them a 32-29 lead going into halftime. Caroline Waite and Daija Powell led the Braves in the first half, scoring 10 and nine. 

A tough third quarter left the Braves down 39-44 heading into the fourth after FIU outscored the Braves 15-7. The fight continued on through the fourth as the Braves tried to get the lead back. Fouls became an issue in the fourth, as Alex Rouse and Powell both fouled out of the game. Caroline Waite finished with four fouls, while Ruba Abo Hashesh and Nika Dorsey both picked up three before the game finished. Despite the push back from Rouse and Waite in the last quarter, the Braves lost the game 57-65 and drop to 3-8 on the season. 

Alex Rouse once again tied her career-high for points, scoring 17 this game. Rouse also grabbed three rebounds and three steals, not to mention dishing out two assists. Caroline Waite put up 15 points and four rebounds in the loss. Daija Powell collected 11 points and eight rebounds, while Isis Fitch scored eight and pulled down 11 rebounds. 

The Braves next game is on Friday December 30th against Northern Iowa at 7:00 p.m. at home. You can stream the game on ESPN+, or you can tune into 1290 WIRL to listen in with Ed Hammond.

Happy holidays!