Peoria, Ill. – Bradley Women's Basketball defeated the Evansville Purple Aces, 82-61, on Thursday to kick off their final homestand of the regular season.
A Close Start
The Purple Aces scored the first five points of the game, but Bradley battled their way back, taking the lead halfway through the first quarter. Both teams continued to go back and forth before the Braves scored seven of the final nine points in the quarter to take a 21-19 lead into the second quarter. The Braves scored six of the first eight points to open the second quarter, but the Purple Aces responded with two quick layups to cut the deficit to one. Evansville didn't make up the ground lost in the first quarter, but Bradley couldn't pull away as they took a 36-33 lead into halftime.
Standout Performances for Bradley
Tamia Perryman had a huge game, shooting 5-for-7 from beyond the arc to tie for the team lead with 16 points while adding six rebounds and four steals. Maya Foz also had a strong game, tying for the team lead with 16 points while adding six assists, four rebounds, and two steals. Kaylen Nelson totaled 15 points, two rebounds, two assists, and one block. Amy O'Hara tied for the team lead with seven rebounds while totaling 10 points, two assists, and two blocks. Ellie McDermid also had seven rebounds while adding eight points and one assist.
A Phenomenal Third Quarter
The Braves took control of the game in the third quarter, exchanging early layups with the Purple Aces before going on a 12-point run to take a 15-point lead. Both teams exchanged a couple of baskets before the Braves rattled off seven straight points to extend their lead to 20 points, and they took a 66-44 lead into the final 10 minutes of play. The Braves held strong defensively to end the game, as Evansville never cut the deficit below 19 points. A late layup from Lucia Llaveria made it 82-61, giving Bradley a win in their first game of the final homestand.
Defensive Notes
The Braves played strong defense in this game, holding Evansville to 22-for-58 from the field and 9-for-31 from beyond the arc. The Braves outrebounded the Purple Aces 38-33 and had 10 second-chance points. Bradley had three fewer turnovers than Evansville, as the Braves committed 11 to the Purple Aces' 14, and Bradley scored nine points off Evansville's 14 turnovers. The Braves had an efficient offensive game, shooting 28-for-59 from the field and 11-for-22 from three-point range.
Coming Up…
The Braves will host the Illinois State Redbirds in their regular-season finale while also honoring their seniors on Bradley Women's Basketball's Senior Night.