Final score- Bradley 75 SIUE 64

[BengalFan]

Ellis is moving deeper into the doghouse. Meta is best in spurts. The ball stuck a bit more this game but Duke was making shots so it was covered up. Davis seems to be a really good glue guy to me - defense, rebound, make shots. Burch may have potential but he doesn’t see the floor - which is what drives me nuts about all ball handlers. I like that Cade got minutes - he’s one of the few guys trying to stay in his lane. He hustles, plays hard, doesn’t take his opportunity for granted. Some of the other fellas should take note. Leons and Hannah are going to be up and down - it’s tough to be the target of the opponent. So the guards have to do their part to help those two.

[BUfan17]

Nice to stop the slide but we're lucky Duke had a great night.

Ellis looked lost out there. He tried to drive and lost the ball twice in almost the same way. Not a good sign that we are playing Hardtke in his place who is a walk on (he has done a good job though given the situation) while we have three bigs on scholarship that don't play. Ellis really needs to be able to contribute if we want to have success in the conference season.

Atlason also still somewhat lost, and he got beat on defense pretty bad.

Burch looked somewhat better out there tonight. He is still a little out of control but you have to love the effort.

Leons, Davis, and Hannah were all pretty typical, not great not be terrible either.

[ManMythLegend]

Nice to get a W. I saw some spurts of that hustle pressure D that makes us a much better team. And also some spurts of that quick ball movement that generates good looks and points for us. Also saw too many turnovers and bad decisions. I'll take the W any day though. Duke really carried us through the first half and that was a lot of fun to see a player so in the zone. One more and then the real important games start.

[bigjimmy]

Bottom line is that we got the W! Never seen Brian work that hard on the sidelines and he even said he gave himself a headache because he was trying to keep the guys engaged on defense. For the first time in awhile we didn't let a team come back late on us. However we never really extended the lead to put them away either. Duke was on FIRE in the first half and Leons, Davis and Burch carried the load offensively in the 2nd half. Hopefully the guys get to enjoy their Christmas break and are ready to start another winning streak.

[Tomahawk]

You knew after the first that Deen had that SIUE would come out and cover him like a blanket. In my opinion a sign of good things to come is when others step up. We are not a finished product by any means. Lot of improvement to be made yet. Looking forward to a great conference season ahead. And on to St. Louis.

[Stevezall]

Just to add as a side note: Bradley started 6-0! Every team they beat in that stretch still has a winning Record! In Fact, Utah State really Stands out at 11-1 now on a 10 Game win Streak with there only loss to Bradley!!! Tulane is also 8-2! Vermont also has a winning record! Bradley has the potential to beat any team on any given night and I still believe is a top Mid- Major team. We will find out when MVC play starts with Hick back if we can play well enough to finish in the top 4 in the Valley!!!!!

[Stevezall]

One more quick add: one of the 6 teams Bradley Beat was UAB with still a winning record at 6-5! Tonight They play Drake at Home! Will they continue to be above 500 after or be the 1 team that won't have a winning Record that played Bradley! This should be a Great mid-major competitive game!!!! Curious to see how Drake Plays at UAB. They have the same opportunity Bradley had to beat them on their home court! Drake is Favored...Bradley was not....here we go.....will see if every team Bradley won in First 6 games continues with a winning Record!

[LittleBrave]

Just to add as a side note: Bradley started 6-0! Every team they beat in that stretch still has a winning Record! In Fact, Utah State really Stands out at 11-1 now on a 10 Game win Streak with there only loss to Bradley!!! Tulane is also 8-2! Vermont also has a winning record! Bradley has the potential to beat any team on any given night and I still believe is a top Mid- Major team. We will find out when MVC play starts with Hick back if we can play well enough to finish in the top 4 in the Valley!!!!!

Nice and positive post Stevez!
I believe they have only played 1 team so far with a sub .500 record - that being Murray St.

I really wanted to see Duke hit 9 3’s last night, but the fire went out after he knocked down #7 with 17:30 left in the game. Save it for a Valley game!

[Stevezall]

UAB Outlasts Drake in O.T. after Devries ties it near the Buzzer on a little lucky 3 point Bounce! UAB another team Bradley beat continues with a winning record, beating Drake 79-78!

[LittleBrave]

Just reflecting on the guys on our team as the non-conf slate comes to an end...and keeping it relatively positive!

Malevy Leons just does it all - he hasn't been that sharp, but his hustle is contagious. I wouldn't doubt if he reaches 50/50 again and repeats as MVC Def. POY. He has been more aggressive on the offensive end, though he does pass up on perimeter shots that he is capable of making.

Darius Hannah - just love this guy's commitment to becoming the best he can be. GREAT representative of BU hoops since his Freshman season. He still has room to improve even tho he made a jump last year, and he may break out a couple games in league play. Our inside game has dipped quite a bit from last year, so his contributions in the paint will be HUGE this year.

Christian Davis has added quite a bit - dependable 3-point shooter and good B-ball IQ. Love his attitude.

DUUUUUUKE Dean - the heart of the Braves. Guy has an endless motor and brings fight every night. A LOT of pressure on him since Connor has been out.

Connor Hickman - one of top guards in the Valley and finds ways to score. His absence is proof that we may need him as much as anyone to make this team a contender. Have seen small improvements on both ends, and can't wait for his healthy return!

The frosh:
Burch - so much upside - very athletic, and if he can protect the ball more, he will be a big threat. I love how Coach has taken off the leash and lets him play through his mistakes.

Atlason - guy has such a pure stroke. He's had some growing pains as a Freshman, but he is more than just a 3-pt threat and love his mobility for his size.

The other guys I don't have much positive to say, but am hopeful that they can be more than a liability to the team.

IMO we are not as talented or experienced as last year, and the 6-0 start was nice, but covered over the challenges this team is up against this year.
BUT if we are 100% healthy with our starters, this team can still contend for the MVC title.

[bradleyfan124]

Just reflecting on the guys on our team as the non-conf slate comes to an end...and keeping it relatively positive!

Malevy Leons just does it all - he hasn't been that sharp, but his hustle is contagious. I wouldn't doubt if he reaches 50/50 again and repeats as MVC Def. POY. He has been more aggressive on the offensive end, though he does pass up on perimeter shots that he is capable of making.

Darius Hannah - just love this guy's commitment to becoming the best he can be. GREAT representative of BU hoops since his Freshman season. He still has room to improve even tho he made a jump last year, and he may break out a couple games in league play. Our inside game has dipped quite a bit from last year, so his contributions in the paint will be HUGE this year.

Christian Davis has added quite a bit - dependable 3-point shooter and good B-ball IQ. Love his attitude.

DUUUUUUKE Dean - the heart of the Braves. Guy has an endless motor and brings fight every night. A LOT of pressure on him since Connor has been out.

Connor Hickman - one of top guards in the Valley and finds ways to score. His absence is proof that we may need him as much as anyone to make this team a contender. Have seen small improvements on both ends, and can't wait for his healthy return!

The frosh:
Burch - so much upside - very athletic, and if he can protect the ball more, he will be a big threat. I love how Coach has taken off the leash and lets him play through his mistakes.

Atlason - guy has such a pure stroke. He's had some growing pains as a Freshman, but he is more than just a 3-pt threat and love his mobility for his size.

The other guys I don't have much positive to say, but am hopeful that they can be more than a liability to the team.

IMO we are not as talented or experienced as last year, and the 6-0 start was nice, but covered over the challenges this team is up against this year.
BUT if we are 100% healthy with our starters, this team can still contend for the MVC title.

They are having a slump right now but beating those teams early on in the season shows they are capable of playing well. Get Connor back and have the freshmen grow with the experience I think they will be a team to contend with later. Nobody will want to play them

[Stevezall]

Hi another side note before Christmas: i recently finished Watching a super game while I'm vacationing in South Florida. I was rooting for Underdog Florida Atlantic to best Arizona...And they did in 2 unbelievable Overtimes! Of course I'm on the FAU Bandwagon while in Florida while my Allegiance will always be with Bradley when home in Chicago! I want Bradley to be this kind of # 1 mid-Major!!!! If FAU can, Bradley can! Anyways, I called for FAU tickets which our literally all sold out this season! I have to call after Christmas to see if any tickets come available for FAU's game against East Carolina, Jan.2nd. I want to go to feel that strong support Boca Raton is showing like peoria shows for Bradley. I'm sure the fans will be rabid in there homey 2800 seat Gym!!!! I'll let you know if I get tickets and go! In any case, in closing, it was so satisfying seeing a top-Mid-Major down a premiere team as Arizona!!! I feel FAU gives all us Mid-Major fans hope for the future!!!!! Have a great Holiday!