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**tomahawk chop** · 12-18-2024, 01:05 PM

This is a must win game even more so because we are playing at home. San Francisco is a good team but if we are expected to win the valley all our home games need to be wins. I also look at this as a confidence builder moving forward. We need to rebound much better and defend the paint a heck of a lot better.

**Tommy** · 12-18-2024, 02:09 PM

Originally posted by tomahawk chop View Post

This is a must win game even more so because we are playing at home. San Francisco is a good team but if we are expected to win the valley all our home games need to be wins. I also look at this as a confidence builder moving forward. We need to rebound much better and defend the paint a heck of a lot better.

Agreed. Weak spot thus far for the year in my opinion is blocking out. We are not doing a good job of this and we've given up too many offensive rebounds, so let's hope to see a turnaround tonight.

GO BRAVES!

**Nashville Cat** · 12-18-2024, 03:36 PM

Originally posted by Tommy View Post

Agreed. Weak spot thus far for the year in my opinion is blocking out. We are not doing a good job of this and we've given up too many offensive rebounds, so let's hopeny to see a turnaround tonight.

GO BRAVES!

BU is favored by 2.5 tonight. I'm surprised.

**Tommy** · 12-18-2024, 04:20 PM

Originally posted by Nashville Cat View Post

BU is favored by 2.5 tonight. I'm surprised.

Wow! They must really like BU at home!

**Nashville Cat** · 12-18-2024, 04:33 PM

Originally posted by Tommy View Post

Wow! They must really like BU at home!

I think home team usually gets about 2 pts advantage which makes this game a pick-em. Biggest game of the year for BU, Tommy.

**Tommy** · 12-18-2024, 05:30 PM

Originally posted by Nashville Cat View Post

I think home team usually gets about 2 pts advantage which makes this game a pick-em. Biggest game of the year for BU, Tommy.

That's good info! Thanks NC! Definitely the biggest game of the year for us!

**Da Coach** · 12-18-2024, 06:06 PM

I asked X.com's Grok AI program to write a pregame article for tonight's game. It came out far superior to the ChatGPT AI we tried last year-

Bradley Braves Set to Host San Francisco Dons in Midweek Showdown

PEORIA, Ill. – Tonight's college basketball action promises an exciting matchup as the Bradley Braves welcome the University of San Francisco Dons to Carver Arena. With tip-off scheduled for 8:00 PM ET, both teams are looking to make a statement in this non-conference clash.

Bradley Braves: Bradley enters the game with a solid 8-2 record, holding a perfect 1-0 standing in the Missouri Valley Conference. The Braves have been particularly dominant at home, boasting an active eight-game winning streak at Carver Arena. Their depth and home court advantage are expected to play significant roles. Key players to watch include Zek Montgomery, who has been pivotal in recent victories, and Christian Davis, whose performance has been crucial in Bradley's success at the Myrtle Beach Invitational.

San Francisco Dons: On the road, the Dons (9-2) are looking to continue their season-high five-game winning streak. They've had an impressive run, most notably defeating Loyola Chicago in their last outing. San Francisco's guard play, led by Malik Thomas, has been exceptional, with Thomas averaging 18.6 points per game. Marcus Williams and Tyrone Reilly IV have also been instrumental in providing a balanced scoring attack under head coach Chris Gerlufsen.

Game Preview: This game represents the first true road test for San Francisco this season, having played their previous games either at home or in neutral venues. The Dons' dynamic backcourt will be challenged by Bradley's tough home defense, which has been one of the best in the nation over the past few seasons. The atmosphere at Carver Arena is known to be electric, and Bradley's players are expected to feed off the energy of the crowd.

The matchup's intrigue lies in the contrast of styles: Bradley's reliance on a strong home defense versus San Francisco's offensive firepower. The Braves will aim to control the pace, using their physicality and experience to disrupt the Dons' rhythm. Meanwhile, San Francisco will look to leverage their speed and shooting to keep Bradley on their heels.

What to Watch For:

Bradley's Home Record: Can Bradley extend their impressive home winning streak, or will San Francisco be the team to break it?
Guard Play: The battle between Bradley's backcourt and San Francisco's sharpshooters could very well dictate the game's flow.
Rebounding: Both teams have shown strength on the boards. The team that controls the glass might just control the game.

Prediction: While Bradley has the homecourt advantage and a robust defensive record, San Francisco's recent form and offensive capabilities cannot be underestimated. Analysts predict a close game, with Bradley's home advantage potentially tipping the scales. However, if San Francisco can weather the initial storm, their shooting might keep them in the contest until the final buzzer.

Live Coverage: The game will be broadcast on ESPN+, providing fans with comprehensive coverage of what promises to be a thrilling encounter in college basketball tonight.

**Big Mike** · 12-18-2024, 10:59 PM

Very fun game...too close for comfort....

I really thought the missed FTs were gonna come back and bite us!

Really happy with the W....oh yeah Meta created a spark!

**Da Coach** · 12-18-2024, 11:14 PM

Another sluggish 1st half offensively. The 25 points ties the season low for a half with the first half vs. Santa Clara. But Bradley's defense kept them close and the Braves trailed 25-27 at halftime. But thanks to a couple quick threes by Zek Montgomery, Bradley took the lead back and played much etter in the 2nd half, outscoring USF 41-37 to win 66-64. The Braves played good defense in the 2nd half, too, and built an 11 point lead with under 6 minutes remaining, but thanks to 4 three pointers by USF in the final minute and a half, the game looks closer than it really was.
Final stats- https://bradleybraves.com/sidearmstats/mbball/media

Bradley shot 60% from three (12-20) to improve to 127- 278 on the season (45.7%) to widen their lead as the #1 team in the country in 3-point percentage. The #2 team, Memphis, was just 5-23 tonight in their win over Virginia. And the #3 team, Houston, was just 4-24 tonight in their win over Toledo.

**Da Coach** · 12-19-2024, 06:56 AM

Official box score- https://bradleybraves.com/sports/men...boxscore/22290

Disappointing crowd of 4,918

Bradley's NET rose slightly from 71 to 70, and they are now 78 in Kenpom.
San Francisco's NET dropped from 48 to 55.

**bradleyfan124** · 12-19-2024, 07:41 AM

Originally posted by Da Coach View Post

Official box score- https://bradleybraves.com/sports/men...boxscore/22290

Disappointing crowd of 4,918

Bradley's NET rose slightly to 70, and they are now 78 in Kenpom.

Yes I thought the crowd should have been more than that

**daveineureka** · 12-19-2024, 08:21 AM

Was there at the game and here are my takes on the game. Bradley did do a better job of not letting their opponent get too many offensive rebounds. Could always do better and be stronger with the ball rebounding. Nothing is perfect but need to be a little better. Free throws could have cost us the game. In the clutch of a close game you must hit those free throws. As for missing close up shots I noticed at least three missed easy layups. No one is perfect, but the goal is to try for perfection as best as you can. Happy with the win and keep improving game to game. Will be there also Saturday with granddaughters. They are always wanting something from Dippin Dots to things from the concession stands. Might miss parts of the game, but my granddaughters have a blast. That is what is most important that they remember times at the games.

**Bradley8792** · 12-19-2024, 08:30 AM

I think the second half was our best defensive effort this year. Looked like the Wardle defense we’ve been used to seeing in the past. I feel like that type of play is needed if we are going to make it to the post season.

**BUBraves2006** · 12-19-2024, 11:14 AM

That was a really good game and definitely something to build upon going forward. In terms of the crowd, I do wonder if Coach Wardle felt it. He kind of made a little bit of a snippy remark in the postgame to the effect of:

"You know, they are a really good team. I was riding up the elevator and heard people going, "that was a sloppy performance, not great". I'm not saying all of our fans aren't knowledgeable, but man, that's a top 50 team."

I always like Coach Wardle's candor, but he probably could have held that one back - it definitely came across as someone who is unhappy with our fans, at least for one night. It's sad that in this day and age, comments like that get me back worrying if he'd leave after this season, especially if we are good, but don't win arch madness and have to be in the NIT again. I don't want to overreact to one little thing, but it's more just that I love the stability of the program and I'm hoping his passion for us here isn't waning.

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Final score: Bradley 66 San Francisco 64

Final score: Bradley 66 San Francisco 64

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