Bradley BRAD 11-7,4-3 MVC

UNI UNI 9-8,5-2 MVC

Bradley BRAD

11-7,4-3 MVC

Final

Jan. 18, 2026

UNI UNI

9-8,5-2 MVC

Score By Periods
Team	1	2	3	4	F
Bradley BRAD	21	15	18	16	70
UNI UNI	21	16	20	16	73

Box Score

Bradley WBB Comes Up Short in 73-70 Loss to UNI

Game Recap: Women's Basketball | 1/18/2026 9:30:00 PM | Ben Kinealy

Peoria, Ill. – Bradley Women's Basketball lost a close one to the University of Northern Iowa on Sunday, 73-70.

A Tightly Contested First Half

The Braves and Panthers went back and forth in the first quarter with seven lead changes just over five minutes into the game. Bradley pulled ahead to a four-point lead with just under three minutes left in the opening quarter, but a UNI free throw and three-pointer tied the game heading into the second quarter. The two teams remained close for the majority of the second quarter, as neither team could jump ahead by more than a single score until there were fewer than two minutes left in the half. The Panthers finally pulled ahead to a seven-point lead with 1:24 remaining, but Kaylen Nelson took over, hitting a layup and an and-one along with a three-pointer to cut the deficit to one as UNI took a 37-36 lead into halftime.

Standout Performances for Bradley

Nelson played 37 minutes, finishing the game with 23 points, six rebounds, and one assist with no turnovers, earning the Ameren Illinois Player of the Day honors. Maya Foz had another strong game, totaling 16 points, five assists, three steals, and two rebounds. Tamia Perryman recorded another double-digit scoring effort in 36 minutes of playing time, posting 13 points, one rebound, and one assist. Ellie McDermid had her second consecutive double-digit rebounding game, finishing the day with 13 boards, four points, one assist, and one block.

Falling Short

UNI kicked off the third quarter with a seven-point run to extend their lead to eight, but the Braves did a good job of battling their way back to keep it close, scoring 10 of the final 12 points in the quarter to pull within three heading into the final 10 minutes. However, that work was quickly undone in the fourth quarter, as the Panthers went on another seven-point run. The Braves responded with a six-point run to stay within striking distance. They later went on a small five-point run to bring the game within one, eventually tying it on Foz's two free throws. However, the Panthers made four free throws in the final minute and the Braves missed two three-pointers in the waning seconds to fall 73-70.

Defensive Notes

The Braves had their work cut out for them, as they faced the best defense in the MVC and it showed as UNI forced 16 turnovers with 13 steals and scored 20 points off those turnovers. The Panthers also took advantage when grabbing offensive rebounds, scoring 17 second-chance points in this matchup. However, the Braves' three-point defense was what helped keep them in this game, as they forced UNI to go 6-for-21 from beyond the arc, allowing Bradley to make up ground with their own three-point offense.