ST. LOUIS — For the first time in school history, the Bradley Braves are headed to their second straight MVC Tournament Championship game.
Bradley defeated Drake 76-66 in the semi-final to advance to the final on Sunday.
Bradley controlled most of the game, leading for nearly 39 minutes of the game. Drake, on the other hand, only held the lead for 20 seconds.
Bradley Head Coach Brian Wardle liked his team’s ability to build, and hold, that lead early on.
“I’m proud of our guys. I liked how we built a little lead. We sustained it,” said Wardle. “We kind of never gave them, I don’t think, the hope that they were looking for.”
Coach Wardle has spoken numerous times about big time players showing up in big games in St. Louis. On Saturday, senior Darrell Brown did just that.
For the third time in as many games against Drake this year, Brown led the Braves in scoring. He poured in 25 points, 19 of which came in the first half.
Drake Head Coach Darian DeVries gave praise for the way Brown played against them on Saturday.
“I thought he was super, especially in that first half,” said DeVries. “That was a senior not wanting to go home, and I thought he played exceptionally well.”
Bradley was not only satisfied with the win on Saturday; but also the way that fans traveled to support them in the biggest game of the year thus far.
Senior Nate Kennell, who is from Metamora, talked about the support he’s seen Peoria give Bradley since he was young.
“Peoria supports Bradley like crazy. It’s super fun,” said Kennell. “It’s awesome just being from the area and just knowing how much people care.”
Coach Wardle was also quick to make it known why he chose Bradley as his coaching destination.
“I took the Bradley job because I know the passion of central Illinois and their love for basketball, and I wanted to be around a city that embraced the sport and loved the sport,” said Wardle. “Our fans do that. Our community does that.”
Last year Bradley defeated UNI 57-54 to win the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament and advance to the NCAA Tournament. Bradley will be attempting to become the first back-to-back tournament champions since UNI in 2015-16.
Bradley awaits the winner of Valparaiso and Missouri State as their competitor in the title game.
