Final score: Bradley 71 Northern Iowa 69

[Da Coach]

Yes. It was obvious those early losses were not because of lack of talent. This team has talent, but just were not playing well together. But now they are getting better every game. The 3 losses in St. Thomas were all close games, and could have gone either way. Now they are getting their confidence built up, and I think we'll see more games where they will compete with the best teams in the league. Guys like Hickman, Roberts, and Leons have only played 8 games at the D1 Level, Mast is still just a sophomore, Howell not used to this level of competition, and a lot of inexperience with the rest of the team, except for Ville & Henry. Just hope the improvement continues.

[BUSongwriter]

Wowza, A.J. Green is a special player. When he launched that final long-range shot at the buzzer, I didn't breathe until it bounced away. I thought we defended him well in the game, and he gets 30 . . . after his 35 against St. Bonnie. Conference POY favorite for sure.

Our backcourt was great tonight. Roberts was obviously clutch, it was great to see Ville get into a zone in the first half, Mikey Howell is going to get a lot of minutes and -- while it was just one game -- Hickman played like someone who could make the all-freshman MVC team. I thought our frontcourt should have been more of a factor offensively, but defended and rebounded well.

1-0. Congrats Coach Wardle and the Braves!

[Classof77]

What a game! Congrats Braves! I was impressed by Hickman's play tonight.

Watching AJ Green play is a pleasure, even when he's kicking our butt. Kind of how I felt watching Cameron Krutwig the past four years.

[Dub]

That’s a great win for our young team. Very nearly a full 40 min effort, and I’m impressed with them not getting down mentally when UNI made their runs in the 2nd half and the refs whistles made no sense. Overcame adversity and got the job done. Great job

[Dub]

How does Green stack up against the likes of Korver and McDermott in terms of valley greatness? I think he’s right there but doesn’t have the same level of team success so far.

[Bradley3342]

How does Green stack up against the likes of Korver and McDermott in terms of valley greatness? I think he’s right there but doesn’t have the same level of team success so far.

I’m not sure but he is lights out! Great win for this team! We knew the talent was there but needed to start blending it together.

[MacabreMob]

Nice win against a team that played well at ranked Arkansas and also won at ranked St Bonnies.

So I guess we can keep the coach and not have to talk about moving on from Coach Wardle.

[patrick_o'brian]

Great team win tonight! Boy, if Reink could get going, consistently, with his 3 ball this team would be even more dangerous. I really like what Roberts brings to the team. He defends so well. Green is just phenomenal. Not speedy, but quick. Not physical, but aggressive. His basketball IQ is off the charts. I’m just excited to get that first Valley win. I’ve seen too many scenarios, in the past, where Green’s shot falls at the buzzer. Feels good to be on the other side of that every once in awhile. It’s been a rough couple weeks for our family. Back to back BU wins certainly softens the blow. Let’s hope we’re turning the proverbial corner. Go BU!

[Da Coach]

How does Green stack up against the likes of Korver and McDermott in terms of valley greatness? I think he’s right there but doesn’t have the same level of team success so far.

A.J. Green is a high-major talent. He had offers from Virginia and Minnesota and would have had many more high-major offers if he hadn't committed early to UNI where his father was an assistant coach. He could play anywhere and be successful. He's not a flashy player, but knows how to score. His shot release is high and quick, so it's hard to defend, but he is very accurate. So far this season, it seems some of his teammates have regressed a bit. Berhow, Pickford, Phyfe, and Bowen Born are not nearly as impressive as in past seasons. None are close to averaging double digits.

I wonder what was wrong with UNI center Austin Phyfe? He started last night's game and has started all 6 of their games this season, and every game the last 3 years. But he didn't look good, scored only 2 points in the first half, and never played a second in the 2nd half. He must have gotten injured.

[Lights down]

First half turnovers were at a minimum compared to last game which was a positive motivator. Coach rotated several players on Green, not allowing him any comfort. Final timeout was about the coach and what offensive play he would call.... to his credit it worked! UNI had several coaches on the floor many times.... not sure what’s with that? Great team effort and stepping stone for Sat. Great crowd!!!

[The Old Guy]

Kent, Ekono and Montgomery didn’t play at all. I didn’t even see Kent on the bench. Any idea what is going on there?

[Jim]

I wonder what was wrong with UNI center Austin Phyfe? He started last night's game and has started all 6 of their games this season, and every game the last 3 years. But he didn't look good, scored only 2 points in the first half, and never played a second in the 2nd half. He must have gotten injured.

I don't know the reason, but it appeared to me that Austin Phyfe was struggling with the pace of the game. Prior to launching that 3, I thought he was gassed. Green is a very talented player that has the ability to create his own shot opportunities pretty much at will.

Congratulations to the Braves and the fans on a job well done! I was most impressed with the defense and effort on the court. Mast going after that loose ball and sliding off the court should be part of the pre game player video! I don't know what the attendance was but the crowd was very supportive and loud, especially when there were questionable fouls called. This team is fun to watch and I hope more fans start attending the games!

[Da Coach]

Kent, Ekono and Montgomery didn’t play at all. I didn’t even see Kent on the bench. Any idea what is going on there?

We sit behind the bench, and Jayson Kent was there in uniform. But they were cheering the team and celebrating the high points, but seemed to accept their bench roles. I would surmise the team was told by Coach Wardle that he was planning on using a shortened player rotation in last night's much more important game. Only 9 players played. Earlier in the season, Wardle did say he would like to play just 8,9 or 10 players in games, believing a shorter rotation is sometimes better, but that the players could change from game to game. I expect we'll see Kent, Montgomery, and Ekono in Saturday's game.

I don't know what the attendance was but the crowd was very supportive and loud, especially when there were questionable fouls called. This team is fun to watch and I hope more...

Official box score-
https://bradleybraves.com/documents/...rn_Iowa_69.pdf

Attendance was 3,551

[MacabreMob]

I expect we'll see Kent, Montgomery, and Ekono in Saturday's game.

You sure? SIU-e had Creighton down in Omaha with a couple minutes to go.

[BUfan17]

You sure? SIU-e had Creighton down in Omaha with a couple minutes to go.

I have no clue what to expect from SIUE. They were able to hang with Marquette and Creighton, but lost to Chicago State (has been historically terrible) and St. Thomas (this is their first year as D1, formerly a good D3 school).