Peoria, IL -- The Bradley Braves 13-3 (4-1 MVC) will be looking to bounce back against the UIC Flames 10-5 (3-2 MVC) in a Saturday afternoon matchup.
Game Information
Bradley Braves 13-3 (4-1 MVC) at UIC Flames 10-5 (3-2 MVC)
Date & Time: Saturday, Jan. 11th • 2:00 PM CST
Live Coverage: ESPN+ | Live Stats | RadioÂ
Location: Credit Union 1 Arena
All-Time Series: Bradley leads 11-2 (BU leads 3-2 in Chicago)
Setting the Table
The Bradley Braves will be looking to bounce back following their first MVC loss of the 2024-25 season. Bradley currently sits at the top of the MVC standings with a 4-1 record and a one-game lead over seven teams, including UIC, who are all at 3-2 in conference play. The series history between UIC and Bradley is brief, but the Braves lead the series 11-2, with a 3-2 record in Chicago. History also shows that Bradley consistently performs well against its in-state opponents, as the Braves are on an 18-game win streak against schools from Illinois, dating back to the 2021-22 season. Bradley has also won 22 of its last 25 games against Illinois schools.
About the Braves
Bradley should feel very good about where they are so far this season. The Braves have won games at a variety of paces, from low-scoring affairs in the 60s to high-scoring games over 100 points. Duke Deen and Zek Montgomery are both among the team's leading scorers, each averaging over 14 points per game, while Darius Hannah and Christian Davis lead the team in rebounding, combining for an average of 10.5 rebounds per game and 22.8 points per game. Bradley has done a good job of taking high-quality shots and preventing teams from getting good looks, as they rank second in the MVC in team field goal percentage (49.1%) and first in opponent field goal percentage (40.3%). Bradley will begin a notable stretch in their schedule with four games in 10 days beginning Saturday, three of which will be on the road (at UIC, at Murray State, at Belmont). Bradley will also look to remain perfect ni road MVC games currently (2-0) and will aim to be the first team to earn three road MVC wins so far this season.
About the Flames
UIC is under first-year head coach Rob Ehsan, who has the Flames off to a 10-5 start this season. They are currently tied for second place in the MVC. Ehsan has previously coached at UAB (as head coach) and Stanford (as offensive coordinator). On the court, fans will recognize Filip Skoblj, who has been with the Flames since their realignment into the Missouri Valley Conference. Javon Jackson and Sasa Ciani are two of four double-digit scorers for UIC, averaging 12.7 and 11.6 points per game, respectively. Ahmad Henderson II and Tyem Freeman round out the scoring, combining for an even 21 points per game. UIC's biggest strength this season has been their ball movement, as they rank second in the MVC in assists per game, with an average of 16.9.
The game will tip off at 2:00 PM CST from Credit Union 1 Arena. It will be available for streaming on ESPN+, and Bradley's radio broadcast through 1470 WMBD can also be found on the Bradley schedule page.
