Peoria, Ill. – Bradley Women's Basketball opens their conference season on Thursday, December 18, against the Southern Illinois Salukis at 6 p.m.
Game Information
Matchup: Bradley Braves vs. Southern Illinois Salukis
Date: Thursday, December 18, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Streaming: ESPN+
Live Stats: Link
What to Watch
The Braves have won their last two games heading into their weekday matchup against the Salukis. In their last contest, Bradley took down the South Dakota Coyotes in a defensive masterclass, 65-62. The Braves rank third in the conference in points allowed per game at 65.2 and have allowed the lowest three-point percentage in the conference at .252. They are still second in the conference in steals with 9.1 per game and fourth in blocks at 2.9. Offensively, the Braves have maintained great efficiency, posting the highest field-goal percentage and three-point percentage with .419 and .339, respectively. They have also shown great ball control, ranking second in the Valley in assists per game at 15.1 and the highest assist/turnover ratio at 1.02.
Southern Illinois has struggled to start their season, posting a 2-6 record while going winless on the road at 0-3. The Salukis are coming off a 76-71 win over SEMO on December 6 and have had a 12-day break heading into their weekday matchup with the Braves. They have struggled defensively, allowing the highest field-goal percentage and three-point percentage in the MVC at .456 and .363. They have been solid at maintaining possession as they have the fifth-highest turnover margin at .38 and the fourth-most steals per game at 8.38. Offensively, the Salukis are eighth in the conference in scoring at 60.6 points per game.
Key Players to Watch
Maya Foz has been on a phenomenal stretch as she won her third MVC Freshman of the Week honor last week after scoring 14 points with six rebounds and two steals in their game against South Dakota. Foz ranks second on the team with 13.1 points per game and is second in total assists with 20, while leading the team with 16 steals. Tamia Perryman has stepped up in recent games. Against the Coyotes, she totaled 12 points, four rebounds, two assists, and a steal. Kaylen Nelson continues to be one of Bradley's top performers, averaging 18.3 points per game while ranking ninth in the nation in three-pointers made per game at 3.3.
The Salukis are led offensively by Alayna Kraus, who is averaging 16.6 points per game, is second on the team in total assists with 18, and third in steals with 11. Kayla Cooper has also been a solid contributor for Southern Illinois, ranking second on the team in points per game at 11.0 while leading the team in total steals with 13. Both Cooper and Kraus have been true workhorses for the Salukis, as both players are averaging more than 34 minutes a game. Indya Green is a solid two-way player for Southern Illinois, averaging 8.8 points per game while leading the team in rebounds per game at 7.8 and total blocks with seven.
