NORMAL, Ill. (Interstat) — A pivotal Missouri Valley Conference clash awaits Saturday at Redbird Arena as the surging Bradley Braves visit the slumping Illinois State Redbirds.

Bradley (13-6, 4-2 MVC) arrives having won three straight, including a 94-90 overtime road victory at Evansville on Tuesday. The Braves are powered by guard Jaquan Johnson, who erupted for 35 points and seven assists in that win. Over his last seven games, Johnson is averaging 17.1 points and 4.6 assists, spearheading one of the league’s top offenses.

Illinois State (12-6, 3-3), however, has dropped three consecutive contests, most recently a 94-89 loss at Indiana State on Wednesday. The Redbirds will lean on forward Chase Walker, who scored 21 points in that defeat and is averaging 17.8 points over his last six outings. His interior presence will be critical against a physical Bradley squad.

The matchup features two teams heading in opposite directions within the conference standings. Bradley’s recent success has been built on high-scoring performances, cracking 90 points three times in January. Illinois State, after a strong start, seeks to regain its defensive identity after allowing an average of 84.3 points during its three-game skid.

History adds another layer, as this begins a home-and-home series that will conclude in Peoria on Feb. 21. The Braves have won four of the last five meetings.

Tipoff is set for Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. For Bradley, the game is the start of a crucial stretch with five of their next seven on the road. Illinois State looks to stabilize its season before embarking on a two-game road trip next week.