Bradley Women look improved

[ollienanyes]

Yes, I know; it was only Eureka but BU lead 54-12 at the half and won 97-41, despite playing lots of women early and often. They look a LOT more athletic than last year.

I am not saying that they are ready to compete at the top level of MVC play, but they should be respectable this year and win more conference games. It sure looks promising.

[Da Coach]

I listened to the game (Ed Hammond does a great job!) and they do sound more like a well rounded team with better shooters and ballhandlers, as well as a couple capable bigs. I don't expect them to contend with the top teams yet, but I agree that they seem to be headed in the right direction.

One other thing... the women's first game Monday (11:00 am at UMKC) is not listed on the schedule as being streamed on ESPN+, nor are any other women's games.- https://bradleybraves.com/sports/wom...tball/schedule

Also, the games are not on the upcoming "Watch ESPN" streaming schedule, as they have been for the last several years.
Is this a decision by Bradley?- https://www.espn.com/watch/schedule/...tDate/20231106

And even the MVC women's conference schedule shows radio, stats, TV, and streaming options for most other teams' games, but not for any upcoming Bradley women's games- https://mvc-sports.com/calendar.aspx?path=wbball

Anyone know why?

[ollienanyes]

When I go to my ESPN page, several of the women's games are stated as being on ESPN+

[Da Coach]

The Bradley women played their season-opening game today at UMKC-
Final score- UMKC 73 Bradley 66
Box score- https://bradleybraves.com/sports/wom...boxscore/21878

Tough loss for the young and rebuilding Braves. Bradley trailed by just 2 points at the half (31-29) and entered the 4th quarter down just 3 points (49-46) despite not playing well. They still trailed by 3 with about 7½ minutes left in the game (52-49), but then UMKC scored 10 straight points to open a 62-49 lead. BU trimmed that lead to 5 points in the final seconds (71-66) but ran out of time.
Bradley had 19 turnovers, shot poorly (39% overall, 28% from three), and was outrebounded 43-27. Junior guard Kaylen Nelson, a transfer from Old Dominion, lead BU with 31 points. Junior guard Alex Rouse (11 points), also a transfer from Old Dominion, was the only other player in double figures. Bradley was called for 32 personal fouls, and multiple starters were limited in minutes due to foul trouble. UMKC was also called for 32 personal fouls, and both teams shot 33 free throws in the game (BU 21-33, UMKC 19-33).

Bradley's next game is their home opener against Central Michigan, Sunday at 2:00pm in the Renaissance Coliseum.