The Bradley Braves (0-0, 0-0 MVC) will be trying to kick off their season with a win when they face the UAB Blazers (0-0, 0-0 American) on Monday night. The game will be played at Bartow Arena and it is scheduled to begin at 8 PM. ET.
The Braves were 25-9, 16-4 MVC last season, winning the league regular season title and making it to the NIT. The Blazers were 29-10, 14-10 C-USA last season. They also made it to the NIT and lost to North Texas in the final.
Bradley and UAB split their two meetings.
Want more winners in the NCAAB? Go here for more NCAAB Picks!
The Braves were expected to finish third in their conference last season, but they won 25 games and made it to the NIT. They lost some of the key players that helped them get there, but they’re hoping they have enough talent to have similar success this season.
Bradley averaged 70 points per game last season. They have three players returning from last year’s team, including reigning Defensive Player of the Year Malevy Leons. They also brought in Sophomores Emarion Ellis and Trey Pettigrew and freshman Demarion Burch to give them more depth.
Bradley played well defensively last season, giving up 62.8 points per game. They will have to stay sharp defensively if they want to give themselves a chance to win this game.