Key Highlights
- The Bradley Braves will play their final regular-season game against Murray State on Sunday.
- This game is crucial for determining the Valley tournament seedings.
- A win would secure at least a No. 2 seed, while a loss could drop them to a No. 4 or 5 seed.
- The teams are tied for second place in the MVC standings.
Key Matchup: Bradley vs. Murray State
Bradley basketball faces their final regular-season game on Sunday, March 1, against Murray State at Carver Arena in Peoria. This matchup is critical as it could seal the fate of Bradley’s MVC tournament seeding.
The Braves are currently tied with Murray State and UIC for second place in the conference standings. A win would lock them into a No. 2 seed, while a loss could see them slip to a No. 4 or 5 seed. The race is tight, and every game is vital heading into March Madness.
Recent Performance
The Braves have been on an up-and-down ride this season. In the last eight games, senior guard Alex Huibregtse has been hot from beyond the arc, making 49.3% of his three-point attempts. Guard Jaquan Johnson leads the nation in steals with 78 and is averaging 17 points per game, ranking second nationally.
In their last meeting on January 4, Bradley lost to Murray State by a score of 86-66.
The Racers have been strong this season, boasting a record of 20-10 with 12 conference victories. Bradley’s head coach Brian Wardle has accumulated 300 career wins at Bradley and Green Bay combined.
Historic Anniversaries
This game marks the start of three important anniversaries for the Braves program: 20 years since their 2005-06 Sweet 16 team, 30 years since their 1995-96 MVC regular-season championship, and 40 years since their 1985-86 MVC regular-season championship.
Bradley’s guard Jaquan Johnson is on pace to reach 86 steals this season, tying the program record set by Dyricus Simms-Edwards in 2012-13. The Braves have collected a total of 238 steals so far this season, with Johnson leading the way.
Live Stream and Betting Odds
The game will air live on ESPN2 at 1 p.m. CT. For those unable to watch, Bradley vs Murray State is also available via ESPN+.
The game line has Bradley favored by 3.5 points, with an over/under of 158.5.
MVC commissioner Jeff Jackson will be in attendance for this crucial game, adding another layer of importance to the matchup. Whether you’re a fan or just tuning in, the Bradley-Murray State clash is shaping up to be one of the most important games of the season.
Final Thoughts
This Sunday’s game could make or break Bradley’s tournament hopes. With so much on the line and a crowded MVC field, every possession counts. The Braves are in for an uphill battle, but with the right performance, they can secure their place among the Valley tournament favorites.
So, you might think this is new, but… it’s not always easy predicting outcomes. Stay tuned as we see how these two teams fare on March 1.
