Peoria, Ill. – Bradley Women's Basketball dominated the Bellarmine Knights on Sunday, winning 67-38 in a defensive masterclass. The Braves played an aggressive game, scoring 36 of their points in the paint and 18 points off turnovers.
A Fast Start
The Braves came out firing in the first quarter to take an early 15-2 lead, but the Knights hit a jumper and two free throws to cut the deficit to 15-6. The story stayed the same in the second quarter, as Bradley extended their lead to 27-13 with Claire McDougall leading the way with eight points up to that point.
Standout Performances for Bradley
McDougall recorded her career first double-double, tying for the team lead with 15 points while shooting 6-for-8 from the field, adding a personal best 11 rebounds, four steals, three assists, and a block. Maya Foz also put up 15 points while totaling six rebounds, four assists, and two steals. Kaylen Nelson made four three-pointers to end her day with 14 points, two blocks, two rebounds, and a steal. Kali Fortson set a new personal best, scoring 12 points with seven rebounds and a steal.
A Runaway in the Second Half
The Braves continued their dominant play in the second half, getting to 38 points before the Knights had 20. McDougall and Nelson ended the third quarter with five points each in the final two minutes. Bradley continued their strong play in the fourth, outscoring Bellarmine 18-12 to take the 67-38 win.
Defensive Notes
Bradley held the Knights to just 13 points in the first half and forced them to shoot .298 from the field and .200 from beyond the arc. The Braves also outrebounded the Knights, 41-31, forced 21 turnovers, and had 11 steals to Bellarmine's three.
Coming Up…
Bradley will hit the road over Thanksgiving as they travel to Florida for the Fort Myers Tip-Off to take on the University of Missouri and Abilene Christian University.