Final score: Bradley 85 UIC 73

[Da Coach]

Next game: UIC (10-15, 3-11) at Bradley (17-8, 9-5), Wed. Feb. 14, 7:00 pm

TV: Streamed on ESPN+ - https://www.espn.com/espnplus/player...d-4b6d6f5f8f97
Chat room- https://www.chatzy.com/bradleyfans
Live stats- https://bradleybraves.com/sidearmstats/mbball/summary
Radio- www.wmbdradio.com

UIC finished 2022-23, their first year in the MVC, with a record of 12-20 overall and 4-16 in the MVC, and in 11th place- https://www.espn.com/mens-college-ba.../2023/group/18
They were picked 10th in the 2023-24 MVC Preseason Poll- https://mvc-sports.com/news/2023/10/...-favorite.aspx
UIC is on a 2-game win streak with wins at Illinois State and at home against UNI. They are currently in 11th place in the MVC with a 3-11 league record, one game ahead of last place Valparaiso.
MVC Standings- https://www.espn.com/mens-college-ba...ngs/_/group/18
And they had a decent non-conference season, going 7-4 against non-conference opponents, including a 72-67 win at Loyola, and wins over Little Rock (currently 2nd place in the OVC), and George Washington (currently 14-9)


Schedule/results- https://uicflames.com/sports/mens-ba...hedule/2023-24
Roster- https://uicflames.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster
Stats- https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/s...3/pdf/cume.pdf

The Flames started these 5 players for nearly all their games-
Isaiah Rivera, a 6'5" senior guard, who played the last 3 seasons at Colorado State, averages 14.4 ppg (ranks 13th in the MVC) and shoots 41.2% from three
C.J. Jones, a 6'5" sophomore guard, who averages 11.4 ppg and shoots 41.5% from three. He average 4.5 assists/game (ranks 3rd in the MVC).
He scored a season-high 25 points against Bradley in the Braves' 77-59 win at UIC back on January 13- https://bradleybraves.com/sports/men...boxscore/21921
Toby Okani- a 6'8" senior forward who averages 10.4 ppg and a team-leading 7.5 rpg (ranks 3rd in the MVC). He also averages 2.1 blocks/game (ranks #1 in the MVC). He was a 2nd team Preseason All-MVC pick this season.
Filip Skobalj- a 6'7" junior forward averages 8.2 ppg, and another 3-point threat, shooting 43.4% this season from three (ranks 3rd in the MVC).
Ethan Pickett is the fifth starter, a 6'4" guard who is a junior college transfer from Triton College in the Chicago area. He averages 6.5 ppg and 3.3 rpg, and he shoots 35.1% from three.

Bradley stats- https://bradleybraves.com/sports/men...stats/2023/pdf
MVC stats- https://s3.amazonaws.com/sidearm.sit..._MBB_Stats.pdf

[tomahawk chop]

We need to get back to having good starts and get our opponent down by 10 or more and not let up. I would like to see more of Burch plus Thomas being our backup big. Lets get back on a winning streak.

[BUfan39]

This needs to be a good start and a solid 15-20 point win. More Burch/Thomas and less Meta please.

[LittleBrave]

Just need a great game to get rid of the bad taste after our last 2. Wardle's teams always rise up in mid Feb until the end, so let's make it happen NOW.

Unfortunately last game accentuated our need for another big for defense and scoring. Hannah got bullied and we didn't get much in the paint. He still has had a great senior season, so hopefully he can finish strong. Now the loss of Mast and Henry looms super large, but we have to win with what we have!

I think this team is at the point where the leaders will not be satisfied with our recent play and will challenge the guys to go on a nice run before March.

I like the way Burch has been playing and Atlason has a LOT of upside.

Go BRAVES!

[Da Coach]

Game preview from BradleyBraves.com - https://bradleybraves.com/news/2024/...ey-vs-uic.aspx

[Judy Hickman]

Out of curiosity, which players are in the top 10 three point percentages in the league?

[yoda]

Just in case you didn’t know

IMG_1856.png

[Judy Hickman]

Well, that's confusing. Why does LiveStats say duke Deen is 16th, but the game preview says he's 3rd?

[Da Coach]

To officially qualify, players must play in 3/4 of their team's games and make an minimum average of 2½ three-point shots per game.
Here is a better image of the qualifying top 3-point shooters in the MVC counting all games.

[Da Coach]

Well, that's confusing. Why does LiveStats say duke Deen is 16th, but the game preview says he's 3rd?

The numbers posted above are for all games. Connor Hickman is 9th and Duke Deen is 16th.

Duke is 3rd if only MVC conference games are counted, and Connor is 2nd.

[Judy Hickman]

Thank you. That makes much more sense.

[Da Coach]

Valentine's Day Ticket special for tonight's game- Buy one, get one!- https://fevo-enterprise.com/event/Va...ingID=10595987
>> https://twitter.com/BradleyBraves/st...79764288581705

[Da Coach]

A new line of Bradley apparel available at tonight's game.
This is some really cool gear- https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/tbr6oNdQ8ETAJ

According to Bradley men's basketball twitter, "supplies are extremely limited! Limit 1 item purchase per customer." - https://twitter.com/BradleyBraves/st...11951542153513

[Da Coach]

While waiting for tonight's "unforgettable showdown" with UIC, here is ChatGPT's version of a pregame article.
Please excuse ChatGPT for using old articles for information about the teams and players.


Excitement Brews as Bradley Braves Host UIC Flames at Carver Arena

The basketball fever is running high in Peoria, Illinois, as the Bradley Braves gear up to face off against the UIC Flames in what promises to be an electrifying clash at Carver Arena tonight. With both teams hungry for a victory, fans are eagerly anticipating a game filled with intense action and thrilling moments.

The Braves, led by Head Coach Brian Wardle, enter tonight's matchup with a record of 15-9, showcasing their strength and determination on the court throughout the season. With standout players like sharpshooter Terry Nolan Jr. and versatile forward Rienk Mast, Bradley has proven to be a formidable opponent, capable of dominating both offensively and defensively.

On the other side of the court, the UIC Flames, under the guidance of Head Coach Luke Yaklich, are poised to challenge the Braves with their own brand of tenacity and skill. With a record of 12-11, the Flames have shown resilience and grit in the face of tough competition, relying on the scoring prowess of guards like Teyvion Kirk and the defensive prowess of big man R.J. Gunn.

As the two teams prepare to square off, there's no shortage of storylines to follow. Will Bradley's home-court advantage give them the edge they need to secure a crucial victory? Or will UIC's determination to upset the Braves lead them to triumph on the road?

One thing is for certain: both teams will leave it all on the court tonight in pursuit of victory. So, basketball fans, get ready to witness an unforgettable showdown at Carver Arena as the Bradley Braves clash with the UIC Flames in what promises to be a thrilling contest from start to finish.

[LittleBrave]

While waiting for tonight's "unforgettable showdown" with UIC, here is ChatGPT's version of a pregame article.
Please excuse ChatGPT for using old articles for information about the teams and players.


Excitement Brews as Bradley Braves Host UIC Flames at Carver Arena

The basketball fever is running high in Peoria, Illinois, as the Bradley Braves gear up to face off against the UIC Flames in what promises to be an electrifying clash at Carver Arena tonight.

One thing is for certain: both teams will leave it all on the court tonight in pursuit of victory. So, basketball fans, get ready to witness an unforgettable showdown at Carver Arena as the Bradley Braves clash with the UIC Flames in what promises to be a thrilling contest from start to finish.

This is HILARIOUS, DC!

Now watch it truly be an unforgettable showdown!