Peoria, Ill. - Bradley Women's Basketball will play the Valparaiso Beacons in the first round of the MVC Tournament on Thursday at noon.

Game Information

Matchup: Bradley Braves vs. Valparaiso Beacons

Date: Thursday, March 13, 2025

Time: 12:00 p.m.

Location: Ford Center

Streaming: ESPN+

Live Stats: Link

What to Watch

The Braves are going to need to come out strong in the first half and showcase their defense against the Beacons. In their last matchup against Valparaiso, the Beacons came out firing and outscored the Braves 35-22. Bradley fought their way back into the game, but the early hole they dug themselves ended up costing them the game. The Braves had the best defense in the MVC, allowing 59.6 points per game.

Key Players to Watch

• Soleil Barnes (Bradley): Barnes finished the season with 471 points and 78 assists, leading the Braves in both stats. She also earned the honor of MVC Newcomer of the Year thanks to her outstanding play all season. She will be a huge difference maker for the Braves thanks to her elite scoring and her ability to contribute on both ends of the floor.

• Ellie McDermid (Bradley): McDermid ended her successful freshman campaign with a team-leading 202 rebounds and totaled three double-doubles on the year. Her impressive season earned her a spot on the MVC All-Freshman Team. She will need to do a good job of controlling the glass while still maintaining a strong offensive presence for Bradley to go far in this tournament.

About the Braves

The Braves (13-18, 7-13 MVC) ended their 2024-2025 season by winning three of their last five to finish the season in ninth in the MVC. Bradley lost to the Missouri State Bears last Saturday, 64-54. Kaylen Nelson earned the Ameren Illinois Player of the Game after scoring 11 points, grabbing five boards, and totaling four steals without turning the ball over.

About the Beacons

The Beacons (13-18, 9-11 MVC) have had an up and down season to finish the season in eighth. They have lost two of their last three heading into the tournament. In their most recent matchup, the Beacons lost to the UNI Panthers, 85-73, on Saturday. UNI led Valparaiso at the half by nine points and increased their lead to 16 by the end of the third quarter to ultimately hold onto the win.