Peoria, Ill. – Bradley Women's Basketball hits the road for the fifth time in their last six games when they take on the Drake Bulldogs on Friday at 6 p.m.
Game Information
Matchup: Bradley Braves at Drake Bulldogs
Date: Friday, January 16, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Streaming: ESPN+
Live Stats: Link
What to Watch
Bradley has won their last two games entering their weekday matchup against Drake, taking down Valparaiso and Indiana State. The Braves hold a 10-6 (3-2 MVC) record and are currently tied for fourth in the Missouri Valley Conference standings. Offensively, Bradley has been solid all season, ranking fourth in the MVC in points per game at 72.3. The Braves also have the third-highest field goal percentage (.420) and the highest three-point percentage (.336). The Braves have played aggressively and have worked well together, as they rank third in the MVC in both steals (8.75 per game) and assists (14.81 per game). Defensively, Bradley ranks third in the MVC in fewest points allowed per game (65.6) and has allowed the fourth-lowest field goal percentage (.408) and the lowest three-point percentage (.256), which ranks 16th in the nation.
The Bulldogs enter this matchup with a 4-11 record, but have gone 3-2 in conference play. Drake has dropped their last two games to Belmont and Murray State heading into their matchup with the Braves. They have been strong offensively, ranking sixth in the MVC in points per game (69.0) with the fifth-highest field goal percentage (.415) and three-point percentage (.300). The strongest part of Drake's game is their ability to rebound, as they rank second in the MVC in rebounds per game (40.2) and are first in the MVC at limiting opponent rebounds (34.9). The Bulldogs also average the most assists per game (17.73), ranking 26th in the nation. Defensively, Drake has struggled, ranking ninth in the MVC in points allowed per game (78.5). The Bulldogs also allow the second-highest field goal percentage (.442) and the highest three-point percentage (.328).
Key Players to Watch
Tamia Perryman had a strong week, averaging 19 points in the two games against Valparaiso and Indiana State while adding seven assists, four rebounds, three steals, and three blocks. Kaylen Nelson has continued her strong play, averaging 17.8 points over her last four games, while adding 15 rebounds, seven assists, six steals, and one block during that stretch. Maya Foz has been one of the best freshmen in the conference this season, ranking 12th in the MVC in points scored (13.8), and she has the 10th-highest field goal percentage (.456). Foz has an eight-game, double-digit scoring streak in which she has averaged 15.25 points per game and totaled 32 rebounds, 14 assists, and nine steals. Mya Wardle is coming off a strong game against Indiana State, as she scored 10 points, had eight assists, two rebounds, and a steal.
Drake is led by Abbie Aalsma, who averages 16.6 points and 3.0 rebounds per game, is second on her team in total assists with 37, and leads her team in steals with 18. Grace Knutson has also been a key contributor for the Bulldogs, averaging 11.7 points per game, a .438 three-point percentage, and 3.6 rebounds per game. She is fourth on the team in total assists with 31 and ranks third on the team with eight steals. Maggie Taylor leads the team with 7.0 rebounds per game, and ranks second on her team with seven blocks while averaging 8.3 points per game.
