Bradley vs Indiana State Basketball: Game Time, Watch Details, Key Insights
The Bradley Braves faced off against the Indiana State Sycamores on January 21, 2026, in a hotly anticipated rematch. The game took place at Carver Arena, Peoria, Illinois, at 6 p.m. CT.
Game Overview
Bradley overcame a challenging start, trailing by eight points with just over six minutes remaining. A late-game surge allowed them to snatch a 75-68 victory. The match attracted a lively crowd of 5,327 fans, who witnessed a thrilling finale as the Braves rallied in the last few minutes.
Key Players and Performance Insights
- Jaquan Johnson: Came through with crucial free throws and strong defense, ending the game with notable performances.
- Matthew Zobrist: A freshman who contributed significantly by scoring a pivotal layup soon after coming onto the court.
- Demarion Burch: Attempted multiple shots and played a key role as a scorer.
- Ahmet Jonovic: Delivered essential plays, including a critical steal at a decisive moment.
Game Statistics
| Teams | 1st Half | 2nd Half | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana State | 36 | 32 | 68 |
| Bradley | 34 | 41 | 75 |
Bradley showed a resilient spirit, managing to tie the game at 34-34 after a fierce first half. They capitalized on Indiana State’s turnovers while improving their shooting in the second half. Overall, the Braves forced ten turnovers in the first half alone, leveraging their defensive strategy to gain momentum.
Recent Performance and Historical Context
The victory placed Bradley third in the Missouri Valley Conference standings with a record of 13-7 overall and 6-3 in conference play, while Indiana State dropped to ninth with a 9-10 record and 2-6 in the MVC. This game marks their most recent meeting, following a historic matchup in December 2025 that ended in triple overtime, with Bradley winning 108-99 — a highlight in the program’s history.
Bradley coach Brian Wardle expressed pride in his team’s performance, emphasizing their ability to recover and play tightly during key moments. The matchup at Carver Arena continues to demonstrate the competitive spirit present in Missouri Valley Conference basketball.
Looking Ahead
The next game for Bradley will be crucial as they aim to maintain momentum. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned to El-Balad for updates and coverage of this exciting season.
