Bradley delivered a resounding 87-73 victory over Drake at the Knapp Center, led by Alex Huibregtse's outstanding 29-point performance. The Braves' win was a significant statement, especially considering CHD Scout had predicted a narrow 77-74 win for Drake. Instead, Bradley controlled the game from start to finish, outscoring the Bulldogs 41-35 in the first half and extending their lead to 14 points by the final buzzer.
Huibregtse's scoring prowess was on full display, as he consistently found ways to penetrate Drake's defense and finish at the rim. He was supported by a balanced effort from his teammates, including Kai Yu's 12 points and Jaquan Johnson's all-around contribution of 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists. The Braves' offense was clicking on all cylinders, and their 46-point second half sealed the deal against a Drake team that struggled to keep pace.
Drake's Jalen Quinn did his best to keep the Bulldogs in the game, pouring in 32 points to lead all scorers. Andrew Alia added a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome Bradley's collective effort. Despite Quinn's impressive scoring output, the Bulldogs couldn't contain Huibregtse and the Braves' supporting cast, ultimately falling by a convincing 14-point margin.
CHD Scout Report Card
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Final
The win is a notable boost to Bradley's tournament resume, as it counts as a Q3 victory. With a current net ranking of 136, the Braves are solidifying their position as a potential NCAA Tournament contender. Meanwhile, Drake's loss drops them to 12-11 on the season, and their net ranking of 153 makes their tournament prospects more uncertain. This Q3 loss won't help the Bulldogs' cause, and they'll need to regroup and refocus to make a push for postseason play.
Bradley's impressive road win is a reflection of their growth and development as a team. They've now improved to 15-8 on the season, and their performance against Drake suggests they're capable of competing with a variety of opponents. As the season enters its final stretch, the Braves want to build on this momentum and make a strong case for tournament inclusion. With their Q3 win over Drake, they've taken a significant step in the right direction, and their resume is starting to take shape as a formidable contender.