Final score: Bradley 71 Northern Iowa 69

[Da Coach]

Bradley game story-

https://bradleybraves.com/news/2021/12/1/mens-basketball-braves-claim-valley-opener-71-69-over-northern-iowa.aspx

Official box score-

https://bradleybraves.com/documents/2021/12/1/Bradley_71_Northern_Iowa_69.pdf

[Tommy]

Wow! I had to relax a little bit before posting on this game. What a rush! The crowd was amazing and so into the game! I can barely talk today from all the screaming!

The D on Green was pretty good, even if he did score 30 points, and let's face it, that guy is just straight up amazing and he's going to get his. So many shots he made were with guys right in his face and at the very end of the shot clock. That was frustrating to watch, but the win helps make it all ok. . I do think the double team really worked against Green, but only when we were doubling with our center. Seemed like when the help came from anywhere else (usually the PF position) they made us pay for it.

Short synopsis of my takeaways and would love to hear others give theirs:

Terry Roberts: Guy can create and is certainly going to be one of our best offensive players this year. He plays very hard and fast on the defensive end, as well.
Mikey Howell: I thought he did the best job out of everyone when defending Green solo (Henry played him well, too). Also a very quick player that makes some nice passes and I think he's going to be a valuable asset this year. He and Roberts together really can give defensive intensity.
Connor HIckman: Just a freshman, but my favorite part about his game is that when he's at the rim, he puts it in. That sounds like an easy thing to do, but clearly not everyone is as gifted as we've seen a LOT of shots at the rim not go in this year. Also a high effort kid. I really like our guards and that seemed to be a big weakness last year, so glad to see it seems to have been addressed well.
Rienk Mast: What a high effort guy he's turning out to be. Not a great shooting night for him, but he came through on the boards yet again and is very likely going to average double digits at the end of the year. I thought he played very physical defense, as well. I really like this guy.

Great effort from everyone and it's clear this team is going to be fun to watch this year. Let's hope the crowd starts growing as the year goes on. It was a great atmosphere and I can only imagine how much fun it would be to have it packed again some day.

[Big Mike]

Am I the only one who wants to see Hannahs minutes increase? Wouldn't mind him getting some of Boyas minutes....Hannah makes things happen, sooo quick.

[Cousins Cuts podcast]

Am I the only one who wants to see Hannahs minutes increase? Wouldn't mind him getting some of Boyas minutes....Hannah makes things happen, sooo quick.

Yeah but he can't dribble, shoot, or pass. Plus he's very thin still so bigger guys inside body him. Boya didn't have a great game but he's way more of a presence inside imo. Hannah just needs some more weight to play more minutes

[Tommy]

Am I the only one who wants to see Hannahs minutes increase? Wouldn't mind him getting some of Boyas minutes....Hannah makes things happen, sooo quick.

I think Coach needs to be very particular about when Hannah gets minutes. As Cousins stated, he isn't very good on the offensive end, but he does lend rebounding and blocking when he's in there. Total liability offensively as he can't even make a free throw and even shots right at the rim don't seem to go in for him. I do like his energy, but until he improves on O a little bit, I think his minutes will be limited.

I'm more curious as to why Kent didn't get even a minute of playing time, but whatever the case, we got the W so I'm pretty happy with the rotation that was used!

[BraveBird]

In a review of the Panther Nation message board, it seems Coach Jake indicated that Phyfe was not feeling well. They are a different team without him in the middle. Outside of Carter, none of the other Panther role players scored enough to help Green out.
Tommy, I like Conner Hickman's game too. Seems to have a great BBIQ and possesses a great shooting stroke. He may take minutes away from Kent (who I think will still make major contributions as the season goes on). I am not as high on Mast. He is a big body and when positioned correctly can rebound well, but he has little lateral movement and will struggle defensively. His 3-point shot is his biggest asset, and currently it is lacking. I suspect it will come around in time. Roberts is a legit player and I see him as the catalyst for this team.

This team will continue to play better as they play more games, and I predict this will not be the last win at home against one of the predicted top 4 teams in the Valley!!

[PhiAlphaBoy]

Great synopsis Tommy! Connor Hickman is a stud! If he stays 4 years he's going to be a 1st Team All-Valley player. Love his fearless aggression and his game.

[Tommy]

Great synopsis Tommy! Connor Hickman is a stud! If he stays 4 years he's going to be a 1st Team All-Valley player. Love his fearless aggression and his game.

Could not agree more!