Bradley BRAD 2-2,0-0 MVC

Western Ill. WIU 4-0,0-0 OVC

Bradley BRAD

2-2,0-0 MVC

Final

Nov. 20, 2025

Western Ill. WIU

4-0,0-0 OVC

Score By Periods
Team	1	2	3	4	F
Bradley BRAD	17	21	17	22	77
Western Ill. WIU	16	16	30	22	84

Box Score

Bradley Women's Basketball Recap @ Western Illinois 2025

Bradley Women's Basketball Drops Road Finale to Western Illinois

Game Recap: Women's Basketball | 11/21/2025 9:00:00 AM | Ben Kinealy

Peoria, Ill. – Bradley Women's Basketball fell to the Western Illinois Leathernecks in the final game of their first road trip, losing 84-77 in a back-and-forth matchup that had seven lead changes and 11 tied scores. The game was tied with 1:15 remaining in the fourth quarter, but the Leathernecks went on a seven-point run to end the game.

A Competitive Start

Both teams traded momentum to start the game, and Western Illinois came out strong, taking an early 7-2 lead before the trio of Kaylen Nelson, Maya Foz, and Mya Wardle each hit a 3-pointer to make the score 11-7. The game continued to be a battle throughout the first half, but the Braves came out on top at the end of the half with a 38-32 lead after a late layup from Ellie McDermid.

Standout Performances for Bradley

Nelson led the Braves with her third 20-point performance in a row, totaling 26 points while shooting 8-for-11 from beyond the arc, along with six rebounds, two assists, and a steal. Mya Wardle had a solid game, putting up 14 points, four assists, and three rebounds. Amy O'Hara had a great two-way game, pacing the team with seven rebounds to go with seven points, two assists, a block, and a steal.

A Slow Start in the Third

Bradley lost their lead within the first three minutes of the third quarter after Western Illinois went on a nine-point run to start the quarter. Bradley battled back to tie the score, but two late 3-pointers from the Leathernecks gave them a 62-55 advantage heading into the fourth quarter. The Braves slowly chipped away at the deficit in the fourth and tied the game with just over a minute remaining thanks to Wardle's layup, but they couldn't come away with the win.

Defensive Notes

Bradley held the Leathernecks to 27-for-61 from the field and held them below their season average of 90 points per game, but the real difference-maker came from the free-throw line. Four Braves had at least four fouls, allowing the Leathernecks to make 24 of 27 free throws, while Bradley went 8-for-10 from the charity line.