Chicago, IL. The Bradley Braves 15-8 (8-4) captured a road win over UIC 9-14 (1-10) with a final score of 83-76 in Missouri Valley Conference play.
Game Recap
The Bradley Braves traveled to Credit Union 1 Arena in Chicago, IL seeking MVC win number eight and came out winners off the back of some selfless play which saw BU record assists on 19 of their 26 made field goals. Bradley showed off the balance on the offensive end with four Braves recording 15 or more points.
Duke Deen was the pace man for BU with four assists,
Rienk Mast,
Darius Hannah, and
Malevy Leons all recorded three assists.
Once BU started sharing the ball, it didn't take long for the 3-point shots to follow. Bradley showed a great touch from outside knocking 4-9 three pointers to start with Deen and Leons combining to go 10-13 from long range. Deen finished with 21 points, 4 assists, and 2 rebounds which was good enough for player of the game honors. Meanwhile Leons put together another stellar performance with 19 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and a solo steal and steal. That set up Bradley to carry a 36-28 lead into the locker room.
The Braves came out firing in the second half pushing their eight point lead all the way to 15 at 76-61 with eight minutes to play. As UIC continue to try and claw back Bradley would have an answer every time, usually from Leons. Leons was essential in providing sparks to Bradley runs whether it was by a huge three or slashing to the rim and throwing it down.
As the second half wore on UIC would have their moments to stay just within reach of BU after a few made threes for the Flames. However, Bradley would respond with a momentum changing play. Following a Montgomery missed free throw, Leons dug out the offensive rebound who Montgomery opened by the 3-point line to collect a four point trip for BU. Montgomery would finish with 15 points, 7 rebounds, and a solo assist.
Bradley would finally put the game on ice after Montgomery drained a fade away three after watching the ball deflect off of a pass from Hickman to Mast. Speaking of Mast, it may be silly to say but the Bradley big an had a quiet 13 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and a solo steal. BU now sits at 8-4 in conference play and tied for 3rd place in the league after a wild Sunday that saw Belmont and Southern Illinois both lose. Bradley will now play for a chance for 1st place in the MVC with Southern Illinois coming to Peoria on Wednesday night.
Looking Ahead
Bradley will be in action again on Wednesday night when the Southern Illinois Salukis come to town. Bradley vs Southern Illinois is set for a 7 p.m. tip off from Carver Arena. The game will also be streamed on ESPN+ as well as over the radio with 1470 WMBD.
Bradley vs Southern Illinois Ticket Link:
Here
February 4-Pack Ticket Link:
Here (all remaining home games)