Bradley's Montana Wheeler stole the show at Carver Arena, scoring 18 points to propel the Braves to a 72-65 victory over Valparaiso. The win marked Bradley's seventh in their last ten games, solidifying their position as a formidable opponent. CHD Scout's pre-game prediction of a Bradley win by 7.8 points proved accurate, as the Braves held off a determined Valparaiso effort.
The first half belonged to Bradley, with the Braves taking a 40-33 lead into the break. Wheeler's scoring prowess was on full display, as he helped his team build a comfortable cushion. However, Valparaiso refused to back down, with Justus McNair leading the charge. McNair finished with 17 points, and his efforts helped keep the Crusaders within striking distance throughout the contest.
The second half saw Valparaiso make a push, but Bradley's supporting cast stepped up to ensure the win. Ahmet Jonovic chipped in with 12 points and 6 rebounds, while Alex Huibregtse added 11 points to the Braves' tally. Meanwhile, Valparaiso's Owen Dease and Rakim Chaney contributed 16 and 11 points, respectively, but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit.
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Final
As the game unfolded, it became clear that Bradley's depth and balance would be too much for Valparaiso to handle. The Braves' ability to receive contributions from multiple players proved decisive, as they limited Valparaiso's scoring opportunities and secured the win.
This result had real consequences for both teams' resumes. For Bradley, the victory counts as a Quadrant 3 win, which will help bolster their tournament chances. With a current net ranking of 124, the Braves are still on the outside looking in, but this win keeps them in the conversation. On the other hand, Valparaiso's loss is classified as a Quadrant 2 defeat, which won't severely damage their resume but won't provide much of a boost either. The Crusaders' net ranking of 160 leaves them with work to do if they hope to make a postseason push.
As the season enters its final stretch, Bradley's win over Valparaiso serves as a reflection of their growth and development. With performances like Wheeler's leading the way, the Braves are poised to make some noise in the coming weeks. For Valparaiso, the loss is a reminder that they still have ground to cover if they want to be considered a serious tournament contender. As it stands, Bradley's victory has strengthened their tournament resume, while Valparaiso must regroup and refocus to achieve their postseason aspirations.