Peoria, IL -- The Bradley Braves 15-3 (6-1 MVC) rewrote the record book, ended streaks, and left no doubt as they completed the regular season sweep of the Indiana State Sycamores 9-9 (3-4 MVC).
Looking back
On January 15, 2025, Bradley delivered an overwhelming performance in a Missouri Valley Conference showdown against Indiana State, securing a 118-65 victory at Carver Arena in Peoria, Illinois. The win improves Bradley to 15-3 overall and 6-1 in MVC play.
The Braves' offensive firepower was on full display, as they shot 55.6% from the field, 42.1% from three-point range, and 88% from the free-throw line. Bradley's balanced attack featured a standout performance from Peoria native, Connor Dillon, who led all scorers with 20 points, including five three-pointers. Zek Montgomery added 17 points on 5-of-8 shooting, while Duke Deen chipped in 13 points and dished out six assists. Bradley's bench was just as effective, with Jaquan Johnson and Corey Thomas also doing their fair share. The bench finished with a combined 59 points, nearly outscoring Indiana State's entire team in the second half alone.
The Sycamores finished the game shooting just 31.5% from the field and 29% from beyond the arc. They were also limited to only 8 points off turnovers, unable to capitalize on the limited Bradley's miscues. Samage Teel led Indiana State with 13 points, but he was the only Sycamore to crack double digits. Jaden Daughtry provided a spark off the bench with 9 points, while Aaron Gray and Josiah LeGree each contributed 7 points. Despite shooting 78.6% from the free-throw line.
Bradley's defense was also a key factor in the win. They dominated the paint, outscoring Indiana State 42-22 inside, and controlled the boards, grabbing 18 second-chance points compared to just 8 for the Sycamores. The Braves' defense also limited Indiana State's fast break opportunities by forcing 17 Sycamore turnovers which turned into an additional 28 points, which made it difficult for the Sycamores to generate easy baskets.
The result moves Bradley to 15-3 overall and 6-1 in league play while Indiana State drops to 9-9 overall and 3-4 in the MVC, The Sycamores will look to bounce back from when they host Drake in their next contest.
Rewriting the record book (again)
The Braves game against Indiana State was one to remember it was the...
- Most points vs a D1 opponent since 1990 (vs Lamar 117)
- First regulation 100-point game vs a D1 opponent since 2007 (vs Drake 100)
- Most points in a half since 2008-09 (61 vs Rutgers)
- Tied 6th most 3-point made FGs in a single game in BU history (16)
- First time sweeping two regular season meetings against Indiana State since 2009
What's Next
For the Braves, they will hit the road for two straight games beginning with a trip to Murray State on Saturday the 18th followed by a quick turnaround game at Belmont on the January 21st. The game will be available for streaming on ESPN+ with tip-off coming at 3:00 PM CST.