With the full schedules for both Bradley basketball teams now out, the Scout sports staff took it upon themselves to highlight a few games they will be watching this upcoming year. Keep an eye out for these matchups as we inch closer to the season.
Auburn and the Cancun Challenge provide a feast of a matchup
By Matt Lucas
If you’re a fan of college basketball, then you know that the sound of nylon and hardwood is just on the horizon – and if you’re cheering for the Braves, there are plenty of appetizing games to look forward to.
Bradley fans can remember the abysmal trip to the Virgin Islands last year, which included an 0-3 record on the court and technical difficulties that prevented any chance of watching the action. This year, Rienk Mast and Co. will travel to Cancun for a Thanksgiving break matchup with perennial power Auburn. I fully expect to walk out of class Tuesday and enjoy a matchup with the Tigers at 5 p.m.
The women get their shot at the Ramblers
By Mason Klemm
Although historically they have not been as good on the women’s side of the court, Loyola-Chicago still has a lot of history in the MVC with a majority of it including Bradley.
With a 29-17 series advantage, the Braves will get a chance to stick it to the A-10 defectors once again, something the men took care of last season. This time, it’s the womens’ turn in what will be the first matchup between the two sides in a non-conference bout since 2008.
A new school brings new opportunities
By Luke Kotcher
I was super excited when Murray State joined the Missouri Valley. They had a very impressive 31-3 record in the Ohio Valley last season. They also took down San Francisco in the NCAA Tournament. Both matches this season should be very entertaining with two very good teams. They matchup on Jan. 4 in Kentucky and Feb. 11 at Carver Arena.
Men’s basketball travels to Arkansas
By Jonathan Michel
Bradley’s game against Arkansas is sure to be a barnburner, as it is the best chance for Braves fans to make a road trip for a high-quality matchup against the Razorbacks, who were an SEC powerhouse last year.
While Arkansas will look a little different this year without JD Notae and company, head coach Eric Musselman is one of the best in the business and his team is a good bet to make noise again this year. The atmosphere at Simmons Bank Arena in North Little Rock, a neutral site, will be a great opportunity for the Braves to prove themselves and potentially pull off an upset under the bright lights. I’d encourage every Bradley fan to make the seven-hour trip a weekend before Christmas; it’ll be worth it.
