Indiana State and Bradley Advance
(Omaha, NE) – Bradley was great in the first half of its game and Indiana State was dominant in the second half of theirs. What it all added up to Valley NIT success. Missouri Valley Conference champion Indiana State earned win number 29 and coach Josh Schertz’s 400th in his coaching career.
Bradley dominated Loyola Chicago early and then repelled the Ramblers’ furious come back efforts.
Sycamore Comeback Success
After the controversial snubbing of Indiana State from the NCAA Tournament, many were wondering about the motivation level of the disappointed Sycamores and for the first twenty minutes, ISU’s execution and defensive passion were lacking.
ISU trailed at the half by nine points and 1:41 into the second half the Trees trailed by 15 points. They still trailed by 13 points with 12:44 to play. The Sycamores went on a 16-4 run and roared past SMU, scoring 61 second half points and defeating the Mustangs 101-92.
Schertz’s team made 55% of its shots and 86% from the charity stripe. Jayson Kent’s career high 35 points carried ISU to the NIT first round victory. Robbie Avila struggled with his shot (2 of the eleven from the field) but was perfect on nine free throw attempts and handed out seven assists.
ISU hosts Minnesota on Sunday.
NIT Success in Peoria
Kent’s former team played a perfect first half. Bradley blew past Loyola Chicago during Wednesday’s opening session. The Braves lead at the break was 36-19. Loyola played much better in the second half, but Bradley held on for a 74-62 win.
The Braves (23-11) received spectacular play from its ‘big four’. Malevy Leons (14 points & ten rebounds), Darius Hannah (17 & 8), Duke Deen (18 points) and Connor Hickman (14 points) had numerous electric moments.
LUC’s Braden Norris’ collegiate career ended at Carver Arena, but the Ohio native led the Ramblers (23-10) with 17 points.
Bradley’s next opponent is the overtime winning Cincinnati Bearcats. While we await Drake’s NCAA Tournament game Thursday night, the Valley strutted some NIT success on Wednesday.
Do Good
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