Bradley defeats N Central 86-53
Bradley Bruisers: Dominant Performance in 33-Point Thrashing of North Central
In a statement win, the Bradley Braves blew out visiting North Central 86-53 at Carver Arena on Sunday night, showcasing their home-court superiority and dismantling a tough opponent.
The difference was stark from the opening tip. At halftime, Bradley led by a comfortable margin of 46-29, setting the tone for the remainder of the game. The Braves' dominant performance never faltered, as they outscored North Central 40-24 in the second half to seal a 33-point victory.
Jaquan Johnson paced the Bradley offense with 19 points on 2-of-5 three-point attempts and 63.6% shooting from the field. Corey Thomas added nine rebounds and five points off the bench, while Montana Wheeler chipped in with three assists and 13 points.
For North Central, James Bullock led the charge with 15 points on 3-of-6 three-point attempts and a 50% shooting clip. Alejandro Diaz rebounded for eight boards and contributed two assists, but it wasn't enough to stem the tide against the high-powered Bradley offense.
The numbers told the story: Bradley shot an efficient 52.5% from the field, hitting 28-of-61 shots, while North Central struggled with a 44.6% mark of 17-of-46 attempts. The Braves also outrebounded their opponents 37-34 and committed just nine turnovers to North Central's 26.
The advanced statistics further underscored Bradley's superiority. The Braves boasted an effective field goal percentage (eFG%) of 52.5%, a free throw rate of 60.7%, and an outstanding offense rebounding percentage (OREB%) of 43.2%. Meanwhile, North Central's eFG% was a modest 44.6%, while their turnover-to-rebound ratio stood at 37.1.
The win marked a significant statement for the Bradley program, showcasing their ability to compete with top-tier teams in non-conference play. The Braves now sit at 7-2 on the season, with their next test coming against a ranked opponent.
For North Central, the loss serves as a tough pill to swallow, especially given their strong preseason expectations. The Braves' dominance will likely be remembered for a long time, and it's clear that Carver Arena is a challenging venue for visiting teams.
As the regular season wears on, both programs will look to build momentum in preparation for conference play. For now, the focus remains on Bradley's resounding victory over North Central.