In a thrilling MVC showdown, Bradley defeated Valparaiso 81-75 in double overtime at Carver Arena, improving their record to 11-2 (2-0 MVC). Valparaiso fell to 7-6 overall and 0-2 in conference play. Bradley's stars had a strong showing on a night that didn't feature much offensive flow from either team. BU was led in scoring by Darius Hannah, who finished with 21 points on 8-of-13 shooting, including 1-of-1 from beyond the arc. Duke Deen added 20 points, with 3-of-8 shooting from three-point range, and Zek Montgomery contributed 19 points.
Valparaiso was led by Cooper Schwieger, who scored a team-high 21 points, including 7-of-12 from the field and 6-of-7 from the free-throw line. Jefferson De La Cruz Monegro added 17 points but struggled with his shooting, finishing 4-of-19. The Crusaders had strong rebounding performances from Kaspar Sepp (15 rebounds) and Schwieger (6 rebounds) but ultimately came up short. The game was tightly contested from the start, with both teams exchanging leads seven times. In regulation, Valparaiso closed the gap after trailing by three just before halftime when a Duke Deen heave from roughly 75 feet connected, giving the Braves a six-point lead at the break. Valparaiso came out strong in the second half and led by two with roughly four minutes to play. Both teams exchanged trips to the free-throw line late, forcing the first of two overtimes.
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In the first overtime period, Bradley led by as many as five, but following some timely three-point shooting from Valparaiso in tight situations, the Beacons ended up with the ball late, down by one. The possession ended with Darius Hannah picking up his fifth foul while attempting to block a shot, sending Jefferson De La Cruz Monegro to the line. He split both attempts, forcing a second overtime. The second overtime closely resembled the first, with Bradley taking a six-point lead. However, this time the Braves' defense held the Beacons to just one made field goal in the second overtime, which proved enough to secure the win.
Bradley shot 40.0% (28-70) from the field, 28.0% (7-25) from three, and 85.7% (18-21) from the line. Valparaiso shot 34.4% (22-64) from the field, 29.2% (7-24) from three, and 72.7% (24-33) from the free-throw line. The Braves also outscored Valparaiso in the paint (32-20) and off turnovers (11-9). Bench play was crucial for both teams, with Bradley's bench contributing 14 points, matching Valparaiso's bench output.
Setting the table for the Sycamores
Bradley Braves 11-2 (2-0 MVC) vs Indiana State 8-5 (2-0 MVC)
Date & Time: Wednesday, Jan. 1st • 6:00 PM CST
Live Coverage: ESPN+ | Live Stats | Radio
Location: Hulman Center
All-Time Series: Bradley leads 57-44
When Bradley Bradley meets Indiana State on Wednesday night it will mark the 102nd all-time meeting where Bradley holds the all-time edge 57-44. Indiana State has 29-20 mark in the all-time series in Terre Haute. The Sycamores are led by Samage Teel who leads the trees in scoring at 17.6 PPG, 4.5 RPG and 4.4 APG. Jaden Daughtry is the only other double digit scorer for Indiana State with 11.5 PPG. The Sycamores are coached by Mathhew Graves who is in his 1st season as head coach at Indiana State after being on the Indiana State staff under Josh Schertz. Graves has previous stops at Xavier and Evansville in a variety of assistant roles as well as being the head coach at South Alabama frmo 2023-2018.Â
Indiana State is currently ranked 173rd in the NET and 181st in the KenPom The Braves are currently ranked 74th in the NET and 82nd in the KenPom. This road contest against Indiana State is currently a Quad-3 game for Bradley.
MVC Ranks
Heading into Wednesday, Bradley is currently first in team 3FG% and first in total made threes, as well as second in blocked shots and scoring offense. The Braves are also third in steals, third in opponent 3FG%, third in overall opponent FG%, and third in scoring defense.
