PEORIA, Ill. – Bradley Men's Basketball will host Loyola Chicago on Wednesday night in the first round of the NIT at 6 PM.
Series History
The all-time series between Bradley and Loyola go back to 1926 as the Braves hold a 37-33 all-time record. The two teams matched up at least twice a year starting in 2014 when the Ramblers joined the Missouri Valley Conference. At home, Bradley holds a 24-11 record and won their last home matchup with a final score of 68-61 on Feb. 9, 2022. Bradley and Loyola last met in the NIT on March 17, 1949, when the Ramblers won 55-50.
About the Ramblers
Loyola had a successful second year in the Atlantic 10 after their 23-9 overall record and 15-3 conference record. They took a share of the A-10 regular season championship after they finished tied with Richmond in the standings. In the A-10 tournament, #2 Loyola fell to St. Bonaventure in double overtime with a final score of 74-75. Philip Alston led Loyola with 22 points and eight rebounds. Dame Adelekun recorded 12 points and 10 rebounds.
In their last matchup, Loyola defeated Bradley in the MVC Tournament that they went on to win with a final score of 66-50. The Ramblers only have four players left from that roster in 2022: Braden Norris, Tom Welch, Will Smythe and Ben Schwieger. Loyola ranks 16th in the nation in blocks per game with 5.1. Norris ranks fourth in the A-10 in three-point percentage, second in assists, third in assist/turnover ratio, 17th in steals and sixth in minutes played.
About the Braves
Bradley ended their Missouri Valley Conference season with a 13-7 record and 22-11 overall record. In their non-conference schedule, they played five NCAA tournament teams and went 3-2 against them. After their 13-7 record in the MVC, they received a three seed but fell to #2 Drake in the semifinals. Connor Hickman recorded 21 points in that game and Duke Deen had 13.
The only five players left from Bradley's last game against Loyola are Hickman, Leons, Darius Hannah, Connor Linke, Cade Hardtke and Sam Hennessy. Leons has 27 career points against the Ramblers with 19 rebounds, six assists and three blocks. In the MVC this season, Leons was 17th in points, sixth in rebounds, 12th in free throw percentage, fourth in blocks, fourth in steals and sixth in minutes played. The Bradley defense ranks first in the MVC with the third most blocks and the second most steals. They also ranked second in three-point percentage with Duke Deen leading Bradley with a .390 percentage.
Game Information
Bradley Braves (22-11, 13-7 MVC) vs. Loyola Chicago Ramblers (23-9, 15-3 A-10)
Date & Time: Wednesday, March 20, 2024 • 6 PM
Location: Carver Arena
Live Coverage: Radio | ESPN+ | Live Stats
Tickets: More information on tickets can be found here
What's Next
The winner of this game will play the winner of #2 Cincinnati/San Francisco at the higher seeds site. The bracket of the NIT can be found below.
