In a shocking turn of events, Bradley pulled off a significant upset at Carver Arena, taking down Northern Iowa 75-69. The Braves, ranked 138th in the net rankings, handed the 98th-ranked Panthers a tough loss, one that will certainly have implications for their tournament chances. This victory was a major statement for Bradley, as they proved they can hang with stronger opponents.
Jaquan Johnson was the star of the show for Bradley, posting an impressive 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. His all-around performance was crucial in the Braves' win, as he consistently made big plays on both ends of the floor. Ahmet Jonovic and Alex Huibregtse also chipped in with 16 and 10 points, respectively, to help seal the deal. For Northern Iowa, Trey Campbell led the charge with 18 points and 5 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Braves' balanced attack.
The game was closely contested from the start, with Bradley taking a 40-37 lead into halftime. The Braves came out strong in the second half, but Northern Iowa refused to back down. The Panthers' Ben Schwieger and Leon Bond III contributed 12 and 11 points, respectively, to keep their team within striking distance. However, Bradley's defense held strong, limiting Northern Iowa to just 32 points in the second half.
The significance of this upset cannot be overstated. Bradley, with a record of 14-8, has now secured a Quadrant 3 win, which will undoubtedly boost their tournament resume. On the other hand, Northern Iowa, now 13-8, will have to regroup and reassess their strategy after this disappointing loss. The Panthers were expected to come out on top, given their higher net ranking, but Bradley's determination and resilience paid off in the end.
Without a pre-game prediction to reference, it's clear that this outcome was unexpected. Bradley's win will send shockwaves through the college basketball world, as they continue to make a case for themselves as a formidable opponent. As the season progresses, this victory will be a crucial factor in the Braves' tournament chances.
The resume implications of this result are substantial. For Bradley, this Q3 win will be a valuable addition to their tournament profile. Although they still have work to do, this upset demonstrates their ability to compete with stronger teams. As for Northern Iowa, this Q3 loss will be a setback, but they still have time to recover and make a push for the tournament. The Panthers must bounce back quickly and string together some wins to regain momentum. For now, Bradley basks in the glory of their upset victory, while Northern Iowa looks to regroup and refocus.