Peoria, IL – The Bradley Braves Men's Basketball team beat the Illinois State Redbirds in front of a sold-out Carver Arena, 74-60. The Braves earned the 75th win in program history over the Redbirds. This is the 50th time Bradley has bested the Birds in Peoria.
In the first half, the Braves outscored the Redbirds by a dozen. The Braves took a two-point lead with 15:23 on the clock and never gave it back. Bradley shot 59.38 percent from the field in the first 20. A 9-2 run, starting with two Bradley dunks from big men
Corey Thomas and
Ahmet Jonovic and ending with a three from
Timoty van der Knaap forced Illinois State to burn their first timeout with over six minutes to play in the first frame. This led the Braves to a 10-point lead, which they only extended before halftime.
In the second half, the Braves were able to fight off the Redbirds attack. The Braves went on a 14-3 run in the final six minutes to put the nail in the coffin. Throughout this run, the Braves dominated in the paint and on fast breaks. In the end, Bradley scored 48 points in the paint, which is 65 percent of the total Braves' points. The Braves drained 16 points off turnovers and 14 off fast breaks.
Jaquan Johnson led the Braves with 23 points and in assists with four. Jonovic shot 5-7 from the field, scoring 14 and grabbing six rebounds.
AJ Smith led the Braves in rebounds with eight, adding to his night with seven points. Bradley's defense showed the nation on ESPN2 why they have one of the Valley's best defenses, as the Braves out-rebounded, out-blocked and out-stole the Redbirds.
On Tuesday, February 24th, the Braves travel north to face UIC. Tipoff in Chicago is scheduled for 7 PM CT.