I have returned from vacation, in time for the Evansville game last night. It was great to get away but was happy to be back in the ARC last night.
Braves Visit Valpo as MVC Race Tightens Ahead of Arch Madness
The always-tough Bradley Braves arrive at the Athletics-Recreation Center this week with momentum — and postseason positioning — firmly on their minds.
Sitting in second place in the Missouri Valley Conference standings, Bradley looks to strengthen its grip on that spot as the calendar inches closer to Arch Madness in St. Louis. The Braves face Valparaiso for the second time this season, hoping to complete a season sweep after a 72–65 win in Peoria earlier this winter.
Bradley enters the matchup playing some of its best basketball of the season. Winners of two straight and four of their last five, the Braves most recently picked up an impressive road victory at Southern Illinois, pulling away late for an 80–70 win. Jaquan Johnson led the way with 24 points, while Alex Huibregtse added 14 as Bradley’s efficiency and defensive pressure proved too much down the stretch.
Valparaiso, meanwhile, comes in riding the emotion of a dramatic home win over Indiana State. The Beacons secured the victory in the final seconds behind a balanced offensive effort, led by Brody Whitaker’s 21 points. JT Pettigrew scored 14, Owen Dease added 13, and Justus McNair chipped in 12 off the bench to round out four players in double figures.
The first meeting between these teams was controlled by Bradley from the opening tip. Montana Wheeler provided a spark off the bench for the Braves, while Valpo stayed competitive behind double-digit performances from Dease, Chaney, and McNair. Despite the loss, the Beacons showed enough to believe a different outcome is possible on their home floor.
Not much has changed for Bradley since that first matchup. The Braves remain one of the league’s most disciplined teams, leading the MVC in turnover percentage and ranking among the national leaders in steals. Their ability to pressure the ball and disrupt passing lanes continues to define their defensive identity. Bradley is also dangerous from beyond the arc, though its effectiveness drops inside the two-point line — an area where the Braves are last in the Valley, right behind Valpo.
There are vulnerabilities Valpo will look to exploit. Bradley tends to put opponents on the free-throw line, struggles defending the three-point shot, and ranks in the lower half of the league in free-throw shooting and shot-blocking. Those areas could play a major role in determining the outcome.
For the Beacons, the keys are clear. Defending the three-point line and avoiding foul trouble will be critical, particularly against guards like Johnson, Wheeler, and Huibregtse. Offensively, execution will be paramount. Valpo must value possessions, limit turnovers, and capitalize on scoring opportunities — especially from deep against a Bradley defense that has been inconsistent guarding the perimeter.
Attacking the rim could also pay dividends. Bradley does not block shots at a high rate, and Valpo’s ability to play through contact and earn trips to the free-throw line may swing the game, provided the Beacons can convert — an area that almost sunk the game in the win over Indiana State.
Perhaps most important of all is ball security. Valpo took decent care of the basketball in the first meeting and repeating that effort will be essential against a Bradley team that thrives on forcing mistakes.
Despite Bradley’s standing near the top of the league, this game is expected to be tightly contested. Analytical projections label it a toss-up, with Valpo holding a narrow edge at home. KenPom projects a 70-69 win giving the Beacs a 54% chance at the win.
As the regular season winds down, the Beacons will look to harness home-court energy and make a statement in a winnable matchup. With postseason positioning still in flux, all signs point to a high-stakes battle inside the ARC — and Valpo will need every voice in the building to help tip the balance. See everyone there and GO BEACS!!
It just feels like Valpo home court advantage is coming back. We barely lost to Murray State and Belmont at home and we have beaten everyone else in conference at home. Let’s get one more! Also, Illinois State has a tough test at home against Murray State. A win and Illinois State loss puts us in a tie for 6th place. I don’t give Indiana State much chance to beat UNI, but if they did, it would be three way tie for 5th place.
@tjjvalpo Depending on how games play out a loss for Bradley could shuffle their current position. There is more on the line than just a conference game. It feels good to be in some type of conversation this far into the season. For that reason the program has a small but noticeably more buzz around it. Brick by brick we can build this program back.
The key is stoping their dribble drive penetration. Keeping them out the lane and forcing tough contested 2’s. Our key….attack the rim and I wonder if Brody’s recent three point shooting is a mirage or a trend? Enormous game, big implications. Most of the die hards like myself are discussing this. What’s it going to take for the local community to come out, especially on a Wednesday night? Turnout was good versus Belmont on a Wednesday. Can we equal or surpass that this Wednesday??
@burnee77 It is a 6pm game, most fans should be home before 9pm for this one. That isn't too late for folks on a work night or school night I don't think. I am hoping the place is absolutely rocking. With the buzz coming back to the program and with a 10K half-court shot on the line for the students, I do expect a higher attendance compared to other weeknight games so far this year.
It's also Ash Wednesday so might help to advertise a University Pastor and St. Teresa Priest being at the game dispensing ashes!
Honestly, I am impressed with the student presence at games as of late. Looked packed in there. Keep it up and they might have to dust off the removable bleachers for the east side again
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It just feels like Valpo home court advantage is coming back. We barely lost to Murray State and Belmont at home and we have beaten everyone else in conference at home. Let’s get one more! Also, Illinois State has a tough test at home against Murray State. A win and Illinois State loss puts us in a tie for 6th place. I don’t give Indiana State much chance to beat UNI, but if they did, it would be three way tie for 5th place.
Big game feel for this one and obviously we want as many wins as possible. I will say though, there is a chance I am preferable to a 6 seed v Evansville as opposed to the 4-5 game with a day off. It all depends on how the final seeds shake out but it is very very possible that Belmont, Murray, and UNI end up as the 1,4,5 all on the same side of the bracket. If that is the case, give me the 6 with games against UIC and Bradley to get to the finals and I will take it. I don't need a bye with the reward of getting Murray or UNI in our first game only to play Belmont. So, lets see how the chips fall this week!
I created the following graphic to help raise awareness for the Men’s Basketball Excellence Fund. Not everyone is in a position to donate, and that’s completely understood. If you feel moved to learn more, you can scan the code, reach out to my friend Ted for an introduction to the fund and its purpose, or send me a message and I’ll gladly connect you with the right people.
Even if donating isn’t an option for you, you may know someone who would be interested. Please feel free to share this on social media if you’re motivated to do so to extend its reach and audience. A grassroots, fan-driven effort to build this program brick by brick can—and will—make a difference.
A number of years ago almost all of our games had 6 pm start time. I believe it coincided with huge drop off in attendance back then. Destroyed the Valpo club in the Hilltop Gym. I know I was quite annoyed with it. I typically take employees or clients to games and 6 pm start does not leave time to grab dinner first. This will be my issue tomorrow night. I hope I’m wrong, but I don’t see that we will have big turnout tomorrow.
A number of years ago almost all of our games had 6 pm start time. I believe it coincided with huge drop off in attendance back then. Destroyed the Valpo club in the Hilltop Gym. I know I was quite annoyed with it. I typically take employees or clients to games and 6 pm start does not leave time to grab dinner first. This will be my issue tomorrow night. I hope I’m wrong, but I don’t see that we will have big turnout tomorrow.
Unfortunately, you'd be hard pressed to find a lot of games outside of that time frame anywhere in the country. A majority of games for CBB are 6pm sharp. Games that start later are few and far between or west coast games starting at 6pm local time.
I will say that I expect a decent bit of attendance as there is was a promotion for 30% off tickets
@rezynezy that’s patently false, but okay.
There are 59 games in college basketball today and only 8 of them have a start time of 6pm local time or earlier.
Not to start an argument, but the 6pm start is unusual.
Valpo 71 Bradley 67. Why not?
