In an exciting showdown on March 8, 2025, the Bradley Braves faced off against the Valparaiso Beacons in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) tournament semifinals at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri. After a thrilling game, Bradley emerged victorious with a 70-65 score, earning their chance to compete in the championship game.
Match Recap
It was a nail-biting contest right down to the final moments. Valparaiso, which surprisingly made it to the semifinals as the 11th seed, put up a fierce fight. At one point in the game, Bradley found themselves trailing by as much as 11 points during the first half. However, the Braves showcased their resilience and determination, bouncing back from a 34-21 halftime deficit.
Star Performers
Leading the charge for the Braves was Darius Hannah, who delivered a standout performance with 16 points and 12 rebounds to secure a double-double. His contributions on both ends of the court were crucial in helping Bradley maintain their momentum. Additionally, Christian Davis added another 14 points, while Ahmet Jonovic contributed 12 points and 8 rebounds, forming a robust support system for the team.
Valpo’s Journey
The Beacons put forth a valiant effort in what was a historic journey through the MVC tournament. Earlier in the tournament, they pulled off an impressive upset against UNI, winning that game with a razor-thin score of 64-63. It was a remarkable run for Valpo, who had not reached this stage in the tournament since joining the league and finished the season with their highest win total since 2019-20.
Next Steps for Bradley
With this victory, Bradley has secured their place in the championship game, where they will face the top-seeded Drake Bulldogs. This matchup is set to take place on March 9, 2025. The winner of this game will receive an automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament, adding extra excitement to an already thrilling matchup.
Final Takeaway
As Bradley prepares to take on Drake in the MVC championship, fans are hopeful that the momentum from this game will propel them to victory in the title showdown. With the chance to clinch a spot in the NCAA Tournament, the stakes couldn’t be higher for these determined athletes.
