Peoria, IL -- The Bradley Braves 13-2 (4-0 MVC) are set to host the Drake Bulldogs 12-2 (2-2 MVC) in the 167th all-time meeting.
Game Information
Bradley Braves 13-2 (4-0 MVC) vs Drake Bulldogs 12-2 (2-2 MVC)
Date & Time: Wednesday, Jan. 8th • 6:00 PM CST
Live Coverage: CBS Sports Network | Live Stats | Radio | Tickets
Location: Carver Arena
All-Time Series: Bradley leads 93-73 (55-23 in Peoria)
Setting the Table
Tomorrow night, the Bradley Braves and Drake Bulldogs will meet for the 167th time, marking the longest rivalry in the history of the Missouri Valley Conference. The rivalry dates back to 1942, and since then, the two programs have met at least twice every year, with the exceptions of 1943-44 (World War II) and 1946-48 (the final three years before Bradley joined the MVC). The game will feature the two highest-rated teams in the Missouri Valley Conference according to national metrics, with both Drake and Bradley ranking as the top two teams in the NET and KenPom rankings from the Valley.
About the Braves
The Bradley Braves currently sit atop the Missouri Valley Conference standings with a perfect 4-0 record in conference play, marking their best start to conference play since 2008-09 and their best overall start to a season since 1985-86. The Braves have been led by their big four: Duke Deen, Darius Hannah, Zek Montgomery, and Christian Davis, who combine for roughly 63% of the team's offensive production. Over the last three games, specifically, Zek Montgomery has caught fire, scoring 19+ points in two of his last three games. He is currently averaging 17.7 points per game and shooting nearly 50% from the floor.
Brian Wardle also continues to climb the Bradley record books. Following the win over Missouri State, Coach Wardle now sits at 89 MVC wins (2nd in Bradley history) and 169 total victories (5th in Bradley history). Looking ahead to Wednesday night, the Braves have won 12 of their last 13 contests, including five in a row and 12 straight home games dating back to last season.
BRADLEY'S ALL-TIME BEST STARTS TO MVC PLAY
1. 1985-86 (16-0)
2. 1956-57 (6-0)
3. 1957-58 (5-0)
1981-82
5. 1962-63 (4-0)
1980-81
1993-94
2008-09
2024-25
10. 1979-80 (3-0)
1995-96
About the Bulldogs
Drake finds itself at 12-2 on the season following back-to-back conference losses (at UIC, vs. Murray State). The Bulldogs are under first-year head coach Ben McCollum, who was previously the head coach at Northwest Missouri State, where he won four D2 national titles and now carries a lifetime record of 406-93. On the floor, the Bulldogs are led by Bennett Stirtz, who currently leads the MVC in scoring at 18.1 PPG, assists at 6.1 APG, and steals at 2.5 SPG. Both Bradley and Drake can claim to have the best 3-point shooter in the conference, with Mitch Mascari and Duke Deen tied at 3.1 made 3-pointers per game.
