Peoria, IL -- In a game that featured clutch shot-making, and nine lead changes, Bradley battled back to defeat Washington State 64–60.
Washington State controlled much of the first half in large part to their fast start getting out to a 12-3 lead headed into the first media timeout. WSU shot 40 percent from the field and got steady production from multiple starters. The Cougars built small leads behind the perimeter shooting of Ace Glass III and Tomas Thrastarson, and entered the break with a narrow 29–28 advantage. Bradley, meanwhile, hit on 10 of 35 shots in the opening 20 minutes but gathered timely baskets from Demarion Burch and Montana Wheeler.
The game shifted in the second half as Bradley finally found rhythm on both ends. Demarion Burch took over offensively, finishing with a game-high 23 points on 8-of-16 shooting. His ability to create off the dribble and knock down timely threes powered a Braves team that began picking up stops and pushing the pace. Montana Wheeler provided a major spark off the bench with 15 points, including two three-pointers and several transition finishes that gave Bradley much-needed momentum.
Jaquan Johnson was another difference-maker, contributing 10 points and an impressive five steals. His defensive pressure helped Bradley convert Washington State's 20 turnovers into 23 points, a decisive factor in an otherwise evenly played game. Johnson now has three games this season with three or more steals.
Washington State countered with balanced scoring. Ace Glass III led the Cougars with 15 points, while Thrastarson, Eemeli Yalaho, and N.D. Okafor each finished with 10. Yalaho also grabbed 11 rebounds, securing a double-double and providing interior stability for a team that won the rebounding battle 41–31.
Despite shooting 50 percent from three and going a perfect 8-for-8 at the line in the second half, Washington State struggled to generate easy offense. The Cougars posted only four fast-break points and tallied just four points off turnovers compared to Bradley's 23. Their bench contributed seven points, while Bradley's reserves produced 15.
The contest remained tight into the final minutes, with both sides trading the lead multiple times. Bradley's defense tightened late, forcing contested shots and closing off driving lanes, allowing the Braves to take the lead late off a sweet feed from Jaquan Johnson to Ahmet Jonovic for the go ahead slam. The Braves defense, needing one stop was able to find it following a missed runner by Thrastarson was hauled in by Jaquan Johnson
The win moves the Braves to 5-4 overall in advance of their meeting with the Northern Illinois Huskies who dropped a game to Lindenwood 99-64 in later basketball action. The game with Northern Illinois is set for a 7:00 p.m. tipoff and will be available for streaming on ESPN+.