Peoria, Ill. - Bradley Women's Basketball defeated the Valparaiso Beacons 64-58 on Thursday to advance to the quarterfinals of the MVC Tournament.
A Quick Comeback
Similar to their last meeting against Valparaiso, the Braves fell behind early, trailing the Beacons 16-10 after 10 minutes of play. However, Bradley turned things around in the second quarter with the help of a nine-point run, which helped the Braves end the half with a 25-23 lead. The Braves showcased their phenomenal defense in the second quarter, as they did not allow the Beacons to make a single field goal. All seven of Valparaiso's points in the second quarter came from the free-throw line as they shot 0-for-10 from the field.
Standout Performances for Bradley
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Amy O'Hara had her best game of the season when it mattered the most. She recorded her first double-double of the year, scoring 14 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, totaling three assists, a block and shooting 7-for-10 from the field.
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Kaylen Nelson also had one of her best showings while under the bright lights, scoring a team-leading 16 points, grabbing five boards, and putting up two steals.
A Runaway Rally
After coming back from their early deficit, the Braves did not relinquish the lead for the rest of the game. They came out firing in the second half, scoring 12 unanswered points to lead 37-23 within the first three minutes. They ended the third quarter with a 47-36 lead. Valparaiso did their best to get back into the game, coming within three points of the Braves, but Bradley shut them down and took the win 64-58.
Contributions from Everyone
The Braves had four players finish the game with at least 10 points and five rebounds as Soleil Barnes finished with 11 points, six rebounds, eight assists, three steals, and two blocks and Claire McDougall scored 11 points while grabbing five boards with an assist, a block, and a steal. Bradley combined for 41 rebounds to the Beacons' 32 and capitalized on Valparaiso's mistakes with 14 of the Braves' points coming from turnovers.
Coming up…
The Braves will play the Murray State Racers in the quarterfinals of the MVC Tournament on Friday at noon.