Peoria, IL -- The Bradley Braves were more than up to the task in their 2024-25 season opener when they defeated the Southeast Missouri St Redhawks 88-60.
Game Information
Final Score: SEMO 60 | Bradley: 88
Location: Carver Arena, Peoria, IL
Attendance: 5,014
Game Overview
Bradley came out firing, shooting an impressive 60.7% from the field in the first half, including 7-of-13 from three-point range. As a team, the Braves shot 55.6% from the field and 43.5% from beyond the arc, with Christian Davis leading the charge, scoring 15 points on 6-of-7 shooting. Freshman Jaquan Johnson was also a major contributor off the bench, adding 15 points, while Almar Atlason contributed 13 points, including three made three-pointers, and led the Braves in rebounding with eight boards.
Bradley's offensive depth and efficiency were on full display, with 37 of their points coming from the bench. They capitalized in several key areas, scoring 11 points off offensive rebounds, 12 points in transition, and converting 25 points off 17 SEMO turnovers. Additionally, the Braves made a habit of getting to the foul line, converting 18 of their 25 free-throw attempts.
For SEMO, the game didn't get off to the start they wanted, as they found themselves playing catch-up after the first media timeout, down 15-2 following a Darius Hannah 3-pointer and an Almar Atlason block. However, they found some rhythm with BJ Ward, who led all scorers with 17 points, and Damarion Walkup, who added 11 points. At halftime, Bradley led by 17, up 46-29.
As the game wore on into the second half, Bradley continued to showcase their depth, with no Brave playing more than 30 minutes. The second half wound down with the Braves leading comfortably, allowing some of their new faces to see action, including Timoty van der Knaap, Connor Dillon, and Corey Thomas. Thomas provided very efficient minutes for the Braves, scoring seven points and grabbing four rebounds in just nine minutes of play to help close out the 88-60 win.
What's Next?
Bradley will be on the road this Friday November 8th when they travel to Pullman, WA to take on the Washington State Cougars. WSU was victorious in their season opener over Portland State 100-92. The game will be available to stream on ESPN+ with a late tip-off for the central time zone at 10:00 PM CST.