Setting the Table
Bradley and Missouri State will meet for the final time in the regular season as Valley foes, as Missouri State is scheduled to join Conference USA at the conclusion of the 2024-25 school year. This matchup will mark the 73rd all-time meeting between the two programs. The Braves have won the last four games in the series, dating back to the 2021-22 season. During last season, the Braves had the Bears' number, defeating them 86-60 in Peoria, IL, and then 86-62 in Springfield, MO, roughly a month later. Duke Deen was on a mission against the Bears last season, averaging nearly 20 points per game and collecting 35 points, four assists, and two steals in the second matchup. On his way to scoring 35 points, he also set the Bradley single-game 3-point record and set Great Southern Bank Arena's record for made three-pointers. Through the 72 previous meetings between the Braves and Bears, 21 have been decided by five points or fewer (30% of the total series).

About the Braves
The Braves have proven their grit and resiliency over their last two contests, winning both games by a combined seven points and three overtime sessions. Last time out against Indiana State, the Braves trailed by seven in overtime with no timeouts and rallied to end the game on an 8-0 run to earn the win. Bradley's stars have shown out over the last two games as well, with Duke Deen, Zek Montgomery, and Darius Hannah averaging a combined 50.7 points per game, 12.3 rebounds per game, and 7.3 assists per game. Bradley enters the contest at 3-0 in MVC play and tied for first place with Northern Iowa, who is also 3-0. When the Braves take the court tomorrow night, they will be looking for their first 4-0 start to MVC play since the 2008-09 season. A big boost to the Braves this season has been their bench, which has contributed roughly 26% of the team's total points. Brian Wardle continues to climb the Braves' all-time conference wins list, with 88 Missouri Valley Conference wins, currently sitting three behind Joe Stowell (91 wins) for second place in Bradley history. Bradley will also be looking to defend their 11-game home court win streak that dates back to last season.

About the Bears
Missouri State enters tomorrow's contest with a record of 7-7 and is 0-3 in MVC play. The Bears' notable wins include victories over Tulsa, Oral Roberts, and High Point. The Bears are under first-year head coach Cuonzo Martin, who is in his second stint as head coach for Missouri State after previously coaching them from 2008-11. Martin owns a career record of 271-205 in 15 seasons. On the floor, the Bears will look to #2 Dez White and #1 Vincent Brady II, who average a combined 30.8 points per game, 8.3 rebounds per game, and 4.9 assists per game. The Bears are in the top-5 in the MVC in both combined team rebounding and combined opponent rebounding, entering the contest with an average of 35.5 rebounds per game and holding teams to just 31.6 rebounds per game.