Game Information
Bradley Braves 21-6 (12-4 MVC) at Illinois State Redbirds 15-12 (7-9 MVC)
Date & Time: Wednesday, Feb 19th, 2025 • 7:00 PM CST
Live Coverage: CBS Sports Network | Live Stats | Radio
Location: CEFCU Arena
All-Time Series: Bradley Leads 74-65 (ISU leads 41-22 in Normal)
Setting the Table
Bradley and Illinois State have been competing for 121 years, and the passion from both fan bases has not wavered over the years. Illinois State is Bradley’s third-longest played series, trailing only Wichita State (142 meetings) and Drake (168 meetings). This will be the 140th meeting all-time and the second between the two programs this season, with Bradley earning a physical 61-57 win in Peoria. That victory gave BU its sixth straight win over the Redbirds, including 11 of the last 14 dating back to 2018. Currently, the Braves sit tied for second place in the Missouri Valley Conference following Northern Iowa’s win over Murray State yesterday. Both Bradley and Northern Iowa are one game behind Drake for first place in the MVC. Illinois State, is in a five-way tie (with Indiana State, Murray State, Southern Illinois, and Evansville) for sixth place at 7-9 in league play. Wednesday’s matchup will be available on CBS Sports Network at 7:00 p.m., with John Sadak and Tre Demps calling the game. Bradley’s radio broadcast will also be available, with Dave Snell and Chad Kleine providing the commentary.
About the Braves
Once again under Brian Wardle, the Braves are playing some of their best basketball as the regular season comes to a close. With four games remaining, the Braves will finish with an even split of road and home games. Two of their last three games will be at home: one against Murray State on Saturday in Bradley’s “RED OUT!” and another against Northern Iowa in the regular season finale on March 2nd. Duke Deen was named the MVC’s Player of the Week following his performances against Southern Illinois and Drake, where he scored a season-high 25 points against the Salukis and recorded his 339th Bradley assist against Drake, tying him for 15th on the Bradley career assist list. He became the first Brave to make the list in less than three years since Jim Les in 1986. The Braves’ calling card this season has been their offensive production, which ranks among the nation’s best in 3-point shooting percentage, effective field goal percentage, and field goal percentage. Their defense has also been stout over the last two weeks. Bradley ranks in the top four in the MVC for opponent points per game, opponent field goal percentage, opponent 3-point field goal percentage, steals per game, and blocks per game.
About the Redbirds
The Illinois State Redbirds will be looking to snap a three-game losing streak that dates back to February 8th, when they suffered a nail-biting three-point loss to Northern Iowa. ISU’s recent schedule has seen them face two of the league’s top three teams in their last three games, with Bradley being the third team in their last four. Illinois State is led by two of the MVC’s top scorers, with Chase Walker ranking 4th in the MVC (16.0 PPG) and Johnny Kinziger ranking 7th (15.2 PPG). The duo combined for 21 points in the first meeting against Bradley. As a team, the Redbirds, like the Braves, are very good at getting shots up from beyond the arc, ranking second in the MVC in made 3-pointers and third in 3-point shooting percentage. Ryan Pedon, in his third season as head coach of Illinois State, holds a career record of 41-50.
Game time is 𝗦𝗘𝗧 for 𝗥𝗘𝗗 𝗢𝗨𝗧 ‘𝟮𝟱 on February 22! 🚨⏰ #ProveEm
🎟️: https://t.co/ylf1az3gCi pic.twitter.com/NbRJIn2qcw
— Bradley Basketball (@BradleyUMBB) February 11, 2025
