In a crucial Missouri Valley Conference clash on Sunday afternoon, the Bradley Braves secured a solid 70-60 victory over Southern Illinois, marking the beginning of the final stretch in their regular season. The win pushed Bradley to a record of 17-9 overall and 10-5 in conference play, maintaining their strong position in the conference standings.
Jaquan Johnson emerged as the star of the match, leading the team with 24 points, including a pivotal 17 points scored in the second half. His performance helped the Braves rebuff a feisty Southern Illinois squad that momentarily took a lead late in the first half. Bradley had started strong, establishing an 18-6 lead early, with Kai Yu contributing five points off the bench.
Southern Illinois rallied, leveraging a 16-3 stretch to capture a narrow 26-23 lead as the first half wound down. However, Bradley fought back, with Alex Huibregtse sinking a crucial three-pointer just before halftime to even the score at 28-28.
As the second half unfolded, Bradley regained control. A key moment arrived when Huibregtse hit another three-pointer with 1:47 remaining, pushing the score to 66-60. Johnson then added a layup to extend their advantage to 68-60, effectively sealing the game for the Braves.
The victory underlines Bradley’s position in the Missouri Valley standings, where they currently sit third, just half a game behind Murray State. The Braves are in a competitive race for positioning as the conference tournament approaches, with only room for improvement as highlighted by their upcoming schedule.
In a notable season of milestones, Bradley’s Coach Brian Wardle achieved his 110th career win in the Valley, tying him for the all-time lead. Furthermore, Johnson’s impressive season continues with him currently ranking second in the nation for steals, reinforcing the Braves’ defensive prowess.
While Southern Illinois, which fell to 12-14 and 6-9 in the conference, struggled with shooting, particularly from beyond the arc, the Braves showed their efficiency on both ends of the court. Bradley’s high-energy play, combined with support from a young roster, signals a promising outlook as the season progresses.
As they prepare for an upcoming matchup against Valparaiso, the Braves carry momentum from this victory into the intense final weeks, aiming for a strong finish as they position themselves for potential postseason success.