Peoria, Ill. – Bradley Women's Basketball overcame a 10-point deficit to extend their win streak to four on Sunday, defeating the Southern Illinois Salukis, 56-53.
A Slow Start
The Braves jumped ahead early with a 6-2 lead, but the Salukis went on an eight-point run to take the lead. Bradley responded with four straight points to tie the game. Both teams then exchanged one more basket before the Salukis made a late jumper to take a 14-12 lead into the second quarter. Both teams exchanged baskets early in the second quarter before Southern Illinois went on a five-point run. Bradley then responded with a six-point run to cut the deficit to one. Both teams made a jumper, but the Salukis hit a last-second layup to take a 27-24 lead into halftime.
Standout Performances for Bradley
Tamia Perryman tied for the team lead in points, finishing the day with 16 points while adding five rebounds, one assist, and one steal. Maya Foz also recorded 16 points, along with four rebounds, one assist, one block, and one steal. Kaylen Nelson recorded her third consecutive double-digit game, totaling 10 points, six rebounds, one assist, and one steal. Amy O'Hara led the team in rebounds with 10 while adding nine points, two assists, and one block.
Fighting Back for the Win
The Salukis went on a seven-point run to take a 10-point lead at the start of the third quarter. The Braves chipped away at the deficit, scoring nine of the next 13 points. Both teams continued to go back and forth, with a Foz layup cutting the deficit to three. However, a late free throw from Southern Illinois gave them a 42-38 lead heading into the final 10 minutes. Both teams went back and forth for the first half of the fourth quarter, with Nelson hitting two free throws with 4:36 remaining to tie the game for the first time since the opening half. The Salukis quickly regained the lead, but two straight Perryman layups gave Bradley the lead, and they didn't give it up for the rest of the game.
Defensive Notes
The Braves played a phenomenal defensive game, holding the Salukis to 20-for-57 from the field and 1-for-8 from beyond the arc. Bradley outrebounded Southern Illinois 43-36 and scored 11 second-chance points. They also punished Southern Illinois' mistakes, scoring 13 points off the Salukis' 12 turnovers. Bradley did not allow Southern Illinois to score more than 15 in any of the four quarters and held their opponents to less than 60 points for the ninth time this season.
Coming Up…
The Braves will return home on Friday, February 20, as they take on the Murray State Racers at 6 p.m.