Peoria, Ill. – Bradley Women's Basketball returns home to face the Valparaiso Beacons on Friday, January 23, to begin a three-game homestand.
Game Information
Matchup: Bradley Braves vs. Valparaiso Beacons
Date: Friday, January 23, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Streaming: ESPN+
Live Stats: Link
What to Watch
The Braves enter this matchup with an 11-7 record and are undefeated at home this season (7-0). The last time these two teams met was on January 8, when the Braves earned an 80-44 road victory over the Beacons. Bradley has been one of the best teams in the Missouri Valley Conference on both sides of the ball. The Braves rank fourth in points scored (72.1) and third in fewest points allowed (65.9), giving them the second-largest point differential per game (6.2). Bradley has been elite from beyond the arc, both offensively and defensively, posting the highest three-point percentage (.342) while holding opponents to the lowest three-point percentage (.251) in the MVC, which ranks 11th nationally.
The Beacons have struggled this season, posting a 0-19 record, which is the worst in the MVC. Valparaiso scores the fewest points per game (54.3) and allows the most points per game in the MVC (80.1). In addition, the Beacons have the worst field goal percentage (.330) and three-point percentage (.245) in the conference, while ranking 10th in opponent field goal percentage (.452) and eighth in opponent three-point percentage (.313). Despite their struggles, Valparaiso has excelled at limiting its opponents' second-chance opportunities, ranking third in the conference in defensive rebounds (27.4) and blocked shots (3.26 per game).
Key Players to Watch
Ellie McDermid has started to build some momentum over her last four games, averaging 9.5 rebounds and 6.8 points per game while totaling six assists, three blocks, and two steals during that span. She has recorded double-digit rebounds in back-to-back games. Tamia Perryman has been on fire recently, averaging 15.5 points per game over her last four while totaling eight assists, seven rebounds, three steals, and three blocks. She also has four straight double-digit scoring efforts. Maya Foz has been one of the most consistent players for the Braves this season, averaging 14.1 points and 3.2 rebounds per game while ranking second on the team with 38 assists. She also leads the team with 26 steals. Despite already being one of the best players in the conference, Kaylen Nelson has found a way to elevate her game to another level recently, averaging 19 points and 4.5 rebounds per game while adding five assists, four steals, and two blocks over her last four games.
The Beacons have found a bright spot in Milana Nenadic, who is averaging 26 points per game over her last two games. On January 15 against Illinois State, Nenadic scored 34 points with six rebounds, one block, and one steal. Fiona Connolly leads Valparaiso in scoring with 11.7 points per game and in steals with 17, while adding 4.0 rebounds per game and 26 total assists. Kamryn Winch has been one of the Beacons' top defensive players, leading the team with 5.6 rebounds per game and 13 blocks.
