PEORIA, Ill. — The Bradley Braves battled hard but fell short in a closely contested Missouri Valley Conference game against UIC Flames at the Credit Union 1 Arena in Chicago, losing 52-49.

A Competitive Start
Bradley opened the game strong, keeping pace with UIC through the first half. Despite a tough second quarter where they managed only two points, the Braves trailed by just three points at halftime, 20-17.

Key Performers for Bradley

• Kaylen Nelson led the Braves with 15 points on 6-of-14 shooting, contributing 4 rebounds and 2 assists.

• Soleil Barnes matched Nelson's scoring with 15 points, including 3-of-5 from beyond the arc.

• Ellie McDermid added 6 points, a block, and a key defensive presence before fouling out.

Opportunities Missed
Bradley's offense struggled with consistency, shooting 40.4% from the field and committing 19 turnovers, which UIC capitalized on for 13 points. Their effort on the boards was also overshadowed by UIC's 33-24 rebounding advantage.

Defensive Efforts
The Braves forced 21 UIC turnovers and grabbed 5 steals, with Katy Wade and Soleil Barnes contributing 2 steals each. However, UIC's efficiency from the free-throw line (20-of-25) and their ability to score in the paint (22 points) proved crucial.

Takeaways
Bradley showed resilience, bouncing back with an 18-point third quarter to stay in contention. However, key missed opportunities and fouls in the fourth quarter allowed UIC to secure the win.

Looking Ahead
The Braves will aim to regroup as they prepare their travel to Valparaiso to take on the Beacons on Sun. January 19 at 1 p.m.