Bradley Braves Edge Out Drake Bulldogs in Close Encounter

The Bradley Braves secured a hard-fought 79-74 victory over the Drake Bulldogs on January 5, 2024, in a thrilling Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) matchup. This win marked a significant achievement for the Braves, improving their overall record to 9-6 and their conference standing to 3-2. The Bulldogs, now 4-11 and also 3-2 in MVC play, faced a tough challenge at home.

In a standout performance, Tamia Perryman led the Braves with an impressive 20 points, showcasing her scoring ability and contributing to Bradley’s success. This win comes after a solid showing against the Indiana State Sycamores, where Bradley demonstrated their offensive prowess. The Bulldogs faced difficulties in home games, holding a 1-5 record at their venue.

Bradley has shown resilience in close contests, boasting a 2-0 record in games decided by three points or fewer this season. The Braves have also displayed a strong offensive strategy, averaging 70.7 points in their last ten games, while allowing their opponents to score an average of 68.2 points. In comparison, the Bulldogs average 69.0 points per game, slightly above the 67.7 points they allow.

Key Performers and Statistics

Several players made significant contributions during the game. For the Bulldogs, Ava Hawthorne has been a consistent player, averaging 5.7 points and 3.1 assists this season. Meanwhile, Abbie Aalsma has been a crucial asset, averaging 17.2 points over the last ten games. The Braves relied heavily on Kaylen Nelson, who has been averaging 17.9 points, alongside Perryman’s recent scoring surge.

Defensively, both teams faced challenges, with the Bulldogs allowing an average of 76.3 points to their opponents in recent games. The Braves, on the other hand, have managed to keep their opponents to 68.2 points per game while maintaining an effective shooting percentage of 41.3%.

This matchup was the first between Bradley and Drake in MVC play this season, adding to the excitement of the rivalry. Fans can look forward to further developments as both teams continue their conference campaigns.

As the season progresses, both teams will need to refine their strategies to enhance their standings in the MVC. With their next games on the horizon, the Bulldogs will seek to improve their home record, while the Braves aim to build on their recent momentum.