Peoria Standard

Bradley wins its 15th straight at home

Game Recap
Bradley and UIC met as league foes for the first time in the Missouri Valley Conference and the game didn't disappoint for those rooting for the home sided Braves. Bradley jumped out to a 23-7 run out and were fueled by a big first half from Rienk Mast. Bradley's big man recorded a first half double double with 11 points and 10 rebounds in just 16 minutes of first half action. He was far from the only Brave to find success as eight different BU players found the scoring column in the first half, with Pop Weathers being the only Brave not to score in half number one. BU's defense was also on display holding UIC to just 13 points and 0-12 from three in the first half, for reference the last time Bradley held a team without a made 3-pointer was in 2015 season against Southern Illinois. This may be Bradley's most complete game of the season, the Braves shot 40% from three and nearly 50% from the field with only 10 turnovers. Meanwhile on the defensive end, the Braves they found a way to clog the paint with seven blocks (four came from Leons) and nine steals finishing with 16 points off of turnovers. Credit also has to be given to the Bradley bench. The Braves reserves put up a combined 30 points, all of which came from the three-headed monster of Ja'Shon Henry, Ville Tahvanainen and Darius Hannah. This win ties Bradley for 10th all-time in terms of longest home win streaks with the previous stint spanning from 01/14/05 through 12/30/06. The last time Bradley won 16+ games in a row at home came 57 years ago during the 1965-66 season dating from 01/06/65 through 01/06/66. UIC will look to bounce back and get to 2-3 in league play when they host the Belmont Bruins from Chicago, Illinois on Jan. 4th. 

Milestone Watch
- Bradley now owns the MVC longest home court winning streak which stands at 15 consecutive games.
- Ja'Shon Henry is 13 points closer to his 1,000th career point with 866 for his career. Henry need to average 7.8 for the remaining 17 games to claim his 1,000th point. Henry is ranks 68th on BU's all-time scoring list.
- Rienk Mast has scored in double figures in all nine games since his return to the lineup and has recored a double-double in four of those 9 games (included 3 of his last 4). This gives Mast his 15th points/rebounds double-double and ties him for 17th all-time with Donte Thomas (2014-2018) and Jack Glover (1953-1956).

Looking Ahead
Bradley will be on the road to Murray, KY to take on the last of the three MVC newcomers in Murray State. Bradley is 2-2 in true road games this season and stand 1-1 in MVC on the road with a win at Missouri State and a loss against Belmont. Bradley is 7-7 all-time against the Racers with Murray State owning a 2-1 record at home versus the Braves. You can stream Bradley at Murray State on ESPN+ or over the radio with 1470 WMBD. Tip off is scheduled for 7 p.m. from the CFSB Center. 

Original source can be found here