In a wild showdown in Peoria, Illinois, Jaquan Johnson’s big night pushed Bradley past Evansville, 76-68. Johnson poured in 22 points, grabbed five rebounds, and dished out five assists, putting his all-around game on full display.
That win keeps the Braves unbeaten in the Missouri Valley Conference. Seven straight victories—yeah, they’re rolling right now.
Bradley had to dig deep, especially late, where Johnson’s nerves at the free-throw line made all the difference. He knocked down clutch shots to seal it. Want the full rundown? Check out the original article on Fox Sports.
Jaquan Johnson’s Impactful Performance
Johnson was the guy. He finished with 22 points, didn’t miss a single free throw—9 for 9—and added five boards and five assists.
He really showed up when it mattered. Those last nine points? All his. That’s how you finish a game.
Clutch Free-Throw Shooting
That 9 for 9 at the line wasn’t just padding stats. Johnson kept his cool with the game hanging in the balance.
Not everyone can deliver like that under pressure. Free throws might look easy, but in crunch time? That’s a different story.
All-Around Contribution
Scoring’s great, but Johnson did more. Five rebounds, five assists—he was everywhere.
He kept the offense humming and chipped in on defense too. That kind of versatility is tough to find.
Supporting Cast Steps Up
Johnson didn’t have to do it alone. Montana Wheeler and Demarion Burch stepped up when it counted.
Wheeler put up 12 points on 6-of-10 shooting. Burch added 11, including a three-pointer that gave Bradley a spark.
Montana Wheeler’s Efficiency
Wheeler made the most of his chances, hitting six of his ten shots. That kind of efficiency keeps the scoreboard moving.
He found his spots and didn’t force things. You love to see that kind of smart play.
Demarion Burch’s Versatility
Burch showed off his range, going 5-for-9 and knocking down a three. He finished with 11 points.
Inside, outside—he gave Bradley options and made Evansville’s defense work.
Evansville’s Notable Performances
Evansville had their moments too. AJ Casey came off the bench and dropped 21 points with six rebounds—pretty impressive spark plug.
Joshua Hughes chipped in 14 points and seven boards. Bryce Quinet added 11 points, four assists, and a couple steals. Those three kept the Purple Aces in it.
AJ Casey’s Spark Off the Bench
Casey lit it up coming off the bench. Twenty-one points and six rebounds? That’s some serious energy.
He gave Evansville a boost when they needed it. Depth like that can make a difference.
Joshua Hughes’ Consistency
Hughes quietly did his thing—14 points, seven rebounds. He’s reliable, and that steadiness matters in tight games.
Game Dynamics and Turning Points
This one was a battle. Both teams refused to back down, trading buckets and defensive stops.
Bradley actually trailed 35-31 at halftime. But they came out swinging in the second half, with Johnson leading the charge.
Down the stretch, it was Johnson again at the line, putting the game out of reach. That eight-point cushion at the end? Hard-earned.
First Half Struggles
The Braves had a rough first half and went into the break down by four. Burch’s eight points kept them within striking distance.
They needed to regroup and shake off Evansville’s early momentum.
Second Half Resurgence
After halftime, Bradley flipped the script. Johnson took over, scoring and setting up teammates.
The defense tightened up too, slowing down Evansville just enough to swing things back their way.
Looking Ahead
With this win, Bradley moves to 10-4 overall and 3-0 in conference play. Seven straight wins—gotta say, they look confident.
Upcoming Challenges
But it’s not getting any easier from here. The Missouri Valley Conference is always a grind.
Bradley’s depth and adaptability will be tested. Can they keep this run going? Time will tell.
Player Development
Bradley’s future hinges on how guys like Johnson, Wheeler, and Burch keep developing. There’s a lot riding on their progress this season.
People are already keeping an eye on their performances as things unfold. If you’re curious about the details, check out the full article on Fox Sports.
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