In a thrilling Missouri Valley Conference showdown, Bradley University pulled off a 73-69 win against Southern Illinois. The game was tight from start to finish, with Jaquan Johnson stepping up for the Braves and dropping 20 points.
This victory marked Bradley’s sixth straight win. Their season record improved to 9-4, and they’re now 2-0 in conference play.
Southern Illinois slipped to 6-7 overall and 0-2 in the conference. Damien Mayo Jr. and Rolyns Aligbe gave it everything they had, but it just wasn’t enough in the end.
Jaquan Johnson’s Dominant Performance
Jaquan Johnson really stole the show, putting up 20 points and making his presence felt all over the court. He also grabbed:
- Five rebounds
- Five steals
Johnson was especially hot in the first half, scoring 13 points and helping Bradley take a 39-34 lead into halftime. He just looked locked in, honestly.
Alex Huibregtse’s All-Around Contribution
Alex Huibregtse chipped in with 13 points on 5-for-12 shooting. He wasn’t just scoring, though—he added:
- Six rebounds
- Five assists
Huibregtse was especially important after the break, leading the team with nine points in the second half. That helped Bradley hang onto their lead, even as Southern Illinois tried to claw back.
Southern Illinois’ Valiant Effort
Southern Illinois didn’t go down easy. Damien Mayo Jr. finished with 18 points and four steals, while Rolyns Aligbe added 16 points and eight rebounds.
The Salukis kept things close all night, never letting Bradley get too comfortable. You could feel their energy, even if the scoreboard didn’t swing their way.
Key Moments and Turning Points
This game had its share of big moments:
- Bradley jumped out to a 39-34 halftime lead.
- Johnson’s 13 first-half points set the tone early.
- Huibregtse’s nine points after halftime helped steady the ship.
It’s the little things in games like this that end up mattering, right?
Implications for the Missouri Valley Conference
Bradley’s win shakes up the Missouri Valley Conference a bit. Sitting at 2-0 in the conference, they’ve got to be feeling confident.
They look like a real threat for the top spot, at least for now. But who knows—there’s still a lot of basketball left to play.
Looking Ahead
Bradley will try to keep this momentum rolling. Some tough conference matchups are coming, and those will be telling.
For Southern Illinois, it’s all about regrouping and figuring out what needs fixing. Nobody likes being on the wrong end of these close ones, but there’s always a next game.
Conclusion
Bradley’s 73-69 win over Southern Illinois really showed off their grit. Jaquan Johnson was on fire, and Alex Huibregtse chipped in all over the court.
Southern Illinois, though, put up a real fight. Honestly, they’re not a team anyone should overlook.
If you want to dig into the details, check out the full article on Fox Sports.
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