Next game- Bradley vs. Murray State, Saturday, Feb. 22, 5:00 pm- Red-Out Game- Wear Red!

[Stryker]

Well that was good resilience, but bad stretches against a lesser team once again. We could have very easily lost this one if not for one of Duke’s hot streaks he goes on. Nicely drawn up and ran play at the end.

It feels like our weaknesses show up for at least part of almost every game. As fun as it is to win a game like this I just wonder if we can pull off three in a row in St. Louis with this style? I sure hope so.

I really think Johnson needs to start now. We get off to bad starts in one or both halves most games now. I know starting two sub six foot guys isn’t ideal, but Johnson plays big and Duke is much better defensively this year that he has been in the past. I would go Johnson, Duke, Zek, Davis, Hannah, but if we insist on going big even though it isn’t our strength, Zek would be a great offensive 6th man if he’s willing to accept it. He would still get starter’s minutes of course. But I think we need Johnson’s energy, effort, and ability to draw fouls to avoid these slow starts. He also gives a second ball handler out there so we can hopefully not turn the ball over so much on passes to start each game/half.

Crazy game, wish the refs would be better. Have to mirror your comments. Feels like this team has the talent to be ranked, but they just can never put it together for a full game at a time. This leads to frustrating losses and close calls against mediocre teams that feel like BU should never lose to. I wonder if there is a lack of leadership among the players, just as a team leader. Inconsistencies and turnovers have been our bane all season. Hopefully they can put it together for a great post-season run.

[Da Coach]

Here is the final play of overtime - https://youtu.be/HHsSIVKzT6A

[Bradley3342]

Just got home after the game, and I can't recall a game as emotionally draining as tonight's was. Somehow this team needs to figure out why they so often allow opponents to dominate them at the start of the 1st or 2nd half, or both, as was the case tonight. But miraculously, in both cases, Bradley responded and fought back and made up the huge deficits.
Final score in overtime- Bradley 85 Murray State 83 - https://bradleybraves.com/sidearmstats/mbball/media

Impressions- Murray State has a bunch of talented players, and they played extremely well tonight. It is hard to figure out how they have such a mediocre record (14-15, 8-10). I have to wonder if there are chemistry or attitude issues, or if there are some players who aren't so coachable.
And Bradley players just don't quit. A lot of teams would have gotten down on themselves with those large deficits, or when the officiating doesn't seem to go there way, but this team just keeps battling.

The Heroes-
Duke was unbelievable- 24 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and only 2 turnovers. When the team needed him, he put them on his back and carried them. His shooting and energy in the 2nd half overcame a 16 point 2nd half deficit, and took the game to overtime.
Christian Davis- his contributions are often overlooked, but he was incredible tonight. In addition to solid defense, he had 17 points, 8 rebounds, and several really clutch baskets that made a huge difference.
Jaquan Johnson- He just keeps getting better, and more confident each game. 18 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists in a season-high 35 minutes of playing time. There were parts of this game where he was the best player on the floor.
Darius Hannah- 12 points, 5 rebounds, and several crucial baskets, including the game winner at the buzzer in overtime.
Meta Jonovic is frustrating at times, but his 9 rebounds and 2 blocks and defense in the lane did make a big difference tonight.
Corey Thomas, likewise is frustrating to watch, but he had key baskets, 5 rebounds and 3 blocks in just 11 minutes of playing time.
Speaking of frustrating, the coach calling a timeout inside of 5 seconds left in the overtime when he's got a veteran team, lead by the POY candidate with a hot hand, was a terrible decision. Thankfully, it didn't hurt, as they called a phenomenal play out of the timeout that sealed the win.

Official Box score- https://bradleybraves.com/sports/men...boxscore/22364
Red-Out attendance- 7,560 -the second highest attendance of the season (ILSU home attendance was 9,646)

Btw, what did everyone else think of the officiating?

They sucked! I think they have something against Coach Wardle… Same lopsided fouls called on the Braves every game

[Bradley3342]

The worst officiating crew I have ever seen, these guys shouldn’t be allowed to ref grade school games, it was embarrassing!!

Ditto!

[Da Coach]

Player of the Game award went to Jaquan Johnson - https://x.com/BradleyUMBB/status/1893493699482419364
Good choice. Duke would have been a fine choice, too, but Jaquan was terrific, and Bradley would not have won without him.

[Tommy]

The officiating has been a growing issue over the last few years, but this year, in particular is really ruining the game in my opinion. I do not buy season tickets to watch referees stop the game every 60 seconds and have 50 points scored by free throws. If that is what we’re going to be given, just play horse and we can all just stay home.
All that being said, even with all the garbage whistles, winning on the last second shot in OT was still really exciting. Got to enjoy that shot with Dub, LB, and his son. Great memory that we’ll have forever.

[daveineureka]

Have to agree with posts about officiating. How in the world can there be such a difference in free throws between Bradley and their opponents. Wardle cannot criticize the officials for will get warnings from the higher ups. So what is the only option for him to voice his opinions on the matter. As for Johnson starting over Deen that may be a stretch in my opinion. Both Johnson and Deen pretty much play equal minutes and a lot of times play at the same time. Do not understand for the life of me why we have bad stretches at the start of each half sometimes. Glad we came away with the win, but we have to play with greater intensity if we are to win in St. Louis. Wardle and staff realize what we need for next year, but that is for another time to discuss. Hope the team can stay focused for these last two games and going into St. Louis.

[molar50]

WGN News had highlights of the game last night. One of Deens long distance 3’s and Hannah’s winning shot were shown. Good PR for Bradley.