PEORIA, Ill. — The Bradley Braves fought valiantly but fell just short against the Drake Bulldogs in a closely contested Missouri Valley Conference match up at the Renaissance Coliseum, losing 67-63.

A Strong Effort by the Braves
Bradley came out firing in the first quarter, establishing a 19-16 lead thanks to their hot shooting from beyond the arc. The Braves carried that momentum into the second quarter, building a slim 35-34 advantage at halftime. Despite Drake's physicality and a late push in the fourth quarter, Bradley remained within striking distance until the final whistle.

Key Performers for Bradley

• Soleil Barnes was the standout for the Braves, scoring a game-high 23 points on 7-of-14 shooting from three-point range. Her sharpshooting kept Bradley in the game and electrified the home crowd.
• Tamia Perryman provided a spark off the bench, scoring 16 points and knocking down three key three-pointers to help Bradley stay competitive in the second half.
• Kaylen Nelson was a force on the boards, pulling down 9 rebounds to go along with her 8 points, anchoring the Braves' interior presence.

Opportunities Missed
Bradley's offensive energy was undercut by turnovers, as they gave up the ball 20 times, leading to 19 Drake points. Additionally, the Braves were out rebounded 37-29, which allowed the Bulldogs to capitalize on second-chance opportunities.

Bright Spots on Defense
The Braves showed tenacity on the defensive end, forcing 15 Drake turnovers and collecting 4 steals. They also limited Drake to just 18.2% shooting from beyond the arc, showcasing their ability to defend the perimeter effectively.

Takeaways
Bradley's performance highlighted their offensive potential, particularly from beyond the arc, as they drained 14 three-pointers. While the game revealed areas for improvement, such as rebounding and ball security, the Braves demonstrated resilience and the ability to compete with one of the top teams in the MVC.

Looking Ahead
Bradley will look to regroup as they host UNI on Jan. 12, aiming to get back on track in conference play.