Peoria, IL – The Bradley Braves 1-1 (0-0 MVC) defeated the Central Michigan Chippewas 85-54 in the 2025-26 Home Opener.
Looking Back
Bradley came out strong, beginning the game with a 9-2 rally. Bradley entered halftime up 10, 35-25. Bradley came out in the second half firing on all cylinders, scoring 50 points. Last season, there were just six halves in which Bradley had 50 or more points. The Braves were able to earn the 21-point difference in the second half off good runs and offensive rebounds. Central Michigan was forced to burn a timeout in the first two minutes of the second half, thanks to second-chance baskets and defensive stops. The Braves didn't take their feet off the gas, scoring nine unanswered points from the 3:38 to the 34-second mark at the end of the night.
The Braves shot 57% from the field and 46% from three in the last 20 minutes. Along with scoring 31 more points, the Braves grabbed 10 more rebounds, notched double the steals and collected nine more assists. Defensively, the Braves held the Chippewas to just two three-pointers on 13 attempts, holding them to 36.4% from the field, forcing 15 turnovers. The Braves took advantage of those unexpected possession changes, scoring 18 points off turnovers. Both Central Michigan threes were made by one player, who came off the bench for the Chippewas. The other six players to attempt a three-pointer all came up empty. The Braves earned 36 paint points to go along with the 30 from beyond the arc. Bradley also recorded 12 fast break and nine second chance points.
Showtime
Sophomore
Jaquan Johnson was ready to show Braves fans what bully is truly made of. Johnson scored a career high 33 points, shooting 68.8% from the field and 3-5 from beyond the arc. Johnson added to the career day with a pair of steals, three assists and six rebounds. The Milwaukee guard led the team last year in steals with 57, breaking the freshman record.
Welcome to Peoria
Senior
AJ Smith and Graduate Student
Alex Huibregtse both played their first games in Carver Arena, tied for the lead in minutes played each on the court for 29. Smith scored 18, going 58.3% from the field and 50% from three. Smith added to his strong impression with six rebounds, two assists, two blocks and a team high four steals. Huibregtse dropped 11 points with three assists to add to his score sheet.
Senior
Ahmet Jonovic led the way with seven rebounds. Senior
Corey Thomas scored nine with three boards and pair of blocks. Seven Braves played 21 or more minutes, with newcomer
Kai Yu on the floor for 14.
Up Next
The Braves will be back in action next at home, taking on the UT Martin Skyhawks on Wednesday, Nov. 12, at approximately 7:30 PM CT. The game will begin following the Bradley Women's team's contest against the DePaul Blue Demons in Carver Arena. Both games will be streamed on ESPN+.