Peoria, IL -- The Bradley Braves 2-1 (0-0 MVC) will welcome an in-state foe when the Northern Illinois Huskies 2-1(0-0 MAC) arrive at Carver Arena tomorrow night.
Game information
Bradley Braves 2-1 (0-0 MVC) vs Northern Illinois 2-1 (0-0 MAC)
Date & Time: Saturday, Nov 16th, 2024 • 7:00 PM CST
Live Coverage: ESPN+ | Live Stats | Radio
Location: Carver Arena
All-Time Series: BU leads (9-1)
The Matchup
The Bradley Braves enter tomorrow's contest following a double-digit win over the UTSA Roadrunners, 85-72, while Northern Illinois is also fresh off a double-digit victory of their own, defeating Monmouth 79-66. This marks the first meeting between the Huskies and Braves since 2010, with Bradley holding a 9-1 all-time series lead, including a perfect 6-0 mark in Peoria. Under head coach Brian Wardle, Carver Arena has proven to be one of the toughest places to play for opposing teams, with Bradley boasting a 41-6 record at home over the last three seasons. With a win tomorrow, Bradley would extend its 16-game win streak against schools from the state of Illinois.
About the Braves
Bradley's 85-72 victory over UTSA was a total team effort, and the statistics reflect that. Four Braves finished in double-figure scoring, and every player who appeared in the contest scored. Defensively, eight Braves grabbed 4 or more rebounds. Darius Hannah and Duke Deen both got off to quick starts for BU, with the two preseason first-team selections combining for the Braves' first 11 points. Zek Montgomery and Almar Atlason also had strong performances, with the pair combining for 33 points, including Atlason tying his career high with 18 points.
Hannah and Deen continue to climb the ranks in Bradley's all-time career lists. Deen is just 64 assists shy of cracking the top 15 in program history for assists, while Hannah needs 204 rebounds to reach the top 15 for career rebounds.
About the Huskies
It has been 14 years since Bradley and Northern Illinois last faced off in men's basketball, with the last meeting coming in 2010 when BU claimed a 66-63 win in Peoria. Fast forward to the present, and the Huskies are led by 4th-year head coach Rashon Burno. Last season, Burno guided NIU to the best start in program history (5-1) and his coaching style helped the Huskies set a new program record for the fourth-most three-pointers made in a single season (227).
On the court, Northern Illinois is led by a trio of players who each average over 13 points per game. James Dent Jr. leads the way with 16 PPG and over 6 rebounds per game, while Quentin Jones averages 14.7 PPG and 2.7 RPG, and Ethan Butler contributes 13 PPG and 5 RPG.
