Anthony James may not have a royal nickname like one of South Beach’s most talented James … yet.
After scoring a game-high 25 points in the first 30 minutes of the game, the University of Northern Iowa sophomore led the barrage of 3-pointers that they used to down the Braves, 80-70.
“He’s a young man who’s got confidence in himself,” Northern Iowa coach Ben Jacobson said.
UNI hit 15 3-pointers, including six from James to counter the athletic play of the Braves’ sophomore Dyricus Simms-Edwards and freshman Walt Lemon.
“In the second half, I thought that our guards did a good job of having enough patience to get the best shot available” Jacobson said. “Some of it was early clock, some of it was late clock. ”
Senior Kwadzo Ahelegbe led the final ten minutes of the game for the Panthers and finished with 24 points, including 11 from the charity stripe.
“I thought Kwadzo had a great second half,” Jacobson said. “He didn’t score a lot but he hit a couple of shots and he got to the free throw line. He was very patient. He only took eight shots for the game and I thought his patience helped us on offense.”
Senior Andrew Warren led the Braves with 20 points.
Bradley held the lead for the first 30 minutes of the game, but the 3-pointers kept the Panthers in the game until the senior leadership of Ahelegbe put the Panthers in control late.
“I don’t think we guarded the basketball,” coach Jim Les said. “If your defense gets broken down off the dribble, then you got to help. There are guys open and they did a good job of spacing the floor. I don’t think we did a good job of guarding the basketball on the perimeter.”
Senior Dodie Dunson played only 15 minutes instead of his usual 35 plus because of foul trouble.
“We need him on the floor,” Les said. “Part of the game is staying out of foul trouble.”
Bradley will travel to Tennessee-Martin on Saturday for its last non-conference game.
