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Illins Battles Bradley
Here's the link:
Here are a few excerpts:
" Jim Les is in his fifth season as head coach of the Braves. His team is coming off a Sweet Sixteen performance in last season's NCAA tourney. Bradley comes in on an amazing hot streak in which they have been deadly from three point range. The game will be televised from the new Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates by WCIA in Champaign and picked up by WMBD in Peoria as well. Here's a look at what the Braves bring to the table"
"Bradley is currently 5-0 after their Friday night victory, and have been lead by some outstanding shooting from their backcourt. Junior 6-foot-5 guard Jeremy Crouch has been the leading scorer so far after seeing limited minutes a year ago. Crouch (19.2 PPG, 56% FG, 64% 3FG, 100% FT, 3.2 RPG, 3.0 APG) has done everything that has been asked of him by Jim Les. Alongside Crouch is 6-foot senior Will Franklin (12.8 PPG, 49% FG, 46% 3FG, 75% FT, 6.8 APG) who is the third guard in the three guard offense, but will slide to the point when needed."
"The man who makes it all happen is 5-foot-10 point guard Daniel Ruffin. Ruffin (9.0 PPG, 6.0 APG, 54% FG, 50% 3FG) has been battling injury and saw action for just the second time this season on Friday. The fourth starter is also a guard, 6-foot-3 senior J.J. Tauai (9.2 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 3.8 APG, 48% FG, 50% 3FG, 80% FT).
Despite the fact that their three point barrage has taken center stage of late, the Braves will still go inside when they need to with senior forward Zach Andrews. The 6-foot-8 Andrews (15.0 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 58% FG, 46% FT) is an athletic big man that poses matchup problems due to his activity and athletic ability."
"Off of the bench for Bradley are 6-foot-5 freshman guard Andrew Warren, 6-foot-4 senior guard Dan Adams, and 6-foot-7 junior forward Matt Salley. Warren (8.0 PPG, 3.2 RPG) is going to be a good one for the Braves, and the coaching staff is excited about his future. Salley (5.8 PPG, 4.0 RPG) is really the only reliable big man that the Braves bring off of the bench. Adams (9.8 PPG, 53% FG, 52% 3FG) is the former walkon that is known for his 3 point shooting, including hitting 8 threes against Florida A&M on Tuesday."
Their staff writer goes on to predict that Illinois' excellent defense will shut down Bradley and the Illini will win 61-56.