PEORIA, Ill. — The Bradley Braves edged out the Evansville Purple Aces in a low-scoring contest at the Renaissance Coliseum, with a final score of 45-42. The victory improves Bradley's record to 7-6 (1-1 MVC), while Evansville falls to 4-9 (0-2 MVC).

A Second-Half Turnaround

After struggling in the first quarter and trailing 11-5, Bradley found its rhythm in the second half. Despite Evansville's strong third-quarter push, Bradley's late-game execution secured the narrow victory. A pivotal 17-point fourth quarter turned the tide in Bradley's favor, overcoming a three-point deficit entering the final period.

Key Players

• Soleil Barnes led the Braves with 15 points, adding 4 steals and 7 rebounds in an all-around performance.

• Amy O'Hara dominated the boards with 10 rebounds and contributed 3 points.

• Kaylen Nelson chipped in with 9 points, hitting three critical three-pointers.

Bright Spots on Defense and Depth

Bradley's defense was crucial, holding Evansville to 42 points on 32% shooting. The Braves also forced 16 turnovers, capitalizing on those opportunities for 9 points. Despite a limited contribution from the bench, Bradley's starting unit delivered when it mattered most.

Takeaways

The Braves showed resilience, clawing their way back after a slow start. The team's defensive pressure and clutch shooting in the fourth quarter highlight their ability to perform under pressure. However, turnovers (15) and inconsistent scoring remain areas for improvement.

Looking Ahead

Bradley will look to build on this momentum as they face their next Indiana State on Saturday, Jan. 6, at 2 p.m.