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Bradley Braves Defeat Northern Iowa in Thrilling Comeback

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, February 5th 2026 at 21:26 GMT by Quad-City Times
      Locales: Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, UNITED STATES

PEORIA, IL - February 6th, 2026 - The Bradley Braves are rapidly becoming a force to be reckoned with in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC), evidenced by their thrilling 82-75 victory over the Northern Iowa Panthers Saturday afternoon at Carver Arena. This win isn't just a notch in the Braves' belt; it's a statement - Bradley can overcome adversity and close out games against tough competition.

The game, a captivating back-and-forth affair, saw the Panthers build a seemingly comfortable 12-point lead in the second half. Many in the sold-out Carver Arena likely braced for another UNI victory, a program historically known for its consistency and tactical prowess. However, this Bradley team, showcasing a resilience not often seen in recent years, refused to yield.

Fueled by the dynamic play of sophomore guard Darius Felton, the Braves mounted a breathtaking 22-7 run over the final 8:41 of the contest. Felton, who finished with a game-high 23 points and 8 rebounds, was the catalyst, repeatedly driving to the basket and creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. His performance solidifies his position as a key player for Bradley and a rising star in the MVC.

While Felton spearheaded the attack, the Braves' late-game surge was a team effort. Improved defensive pressure forced several UNI turnovers, allowing Bradley to capitalize on fast-break opportunities and quickly erase the deficit. Head coach Brian Wardle's adjustments, focusing on double-teaming A.J. Wilkins - UNI's leading scorer with 24 points - proved crucial in disrupting the Panthers' offensive rhythm. Wilkins, while still a potent threat, was noticeably contained during the critical final minutes.

This victory elevates Bradley's record to 13-8 overall and 7-3 in MVC play. More importantly, it positions them as serious contenders for the MVC Tournament title and a potential NCAA Tournament berth. The Braves are now just one game behind league-leading Drake, setting up a potentially pivotal matchup later in the season. Analysts are beginning to take notice of Bradley's improved performance, citing their enhanced team chemistry and the emergence of several key role players.

The Panthers, now 13-9 overall and 6-4 in the MVC, were led by Wilkins' strong scoring performance. However, the supporting cast struggled to provide consistent offensive contributions, and their defense faltered under the Braves' relentless pressure. UNI will look to rebound from this loss when they host Missouri State on Wednesday, but will need to address their late-game execution to remain competitive in the MVC.

Looking Ahead: Bradley's Road Test at Indiana State

Bradley doesn't have much time to savor this victory. They face a challenging road test against Indiana State at 7 p.m. Wednesday. Indiana State, known for its physical play and raucous home crowd, will present a different set of challenges for the Braves. Bradley will need to maintain their intensity and focus on executing their game plan to secure another crucial MVC win. The Sycamores are a tough out on their home court, and a victory there would send a strong message to the rest of the league that Bradley is here to stay.

Experts predict a closely contested game, with the Braves' ability to control the tempo and limit turnovers being key factors. Felton's continued performance will be vital, but Bradley will also need consistent contributions from other players, including senior forward Keishaun Johnson and junior guard Zairio Ray.

The MVC is shaping up to be a highly competitive conference this season, with several teams vying for the top spot. Bradley's recent success and unwavering determination have made them a team to watch. If they can continue to improve and build on their momentum, the Braves have the potential to make a deep run in the MVC Tournament and beyond.