PEORIA, Ill. (Interstat) — In a game defined by offensive efficiency and defensive pressure, the Bradley Braves used a dominant first-quarter start and a commanding performance from the free-throw line to defeat the DePaul Blue Demons 78-64 in a non-conference women’s basketball game Wednesday night at Carver Arena.

The Braves improved to 2-0 on the young season, while the Blue Demons fell to 1-2.

Bradley seized control from the opening tip, capitalizing on early DePaul miscues to build a lead it would never relinquish. The Braves closed the first quarter on a 7-0 run, capped by a pair of Maya Foz free throws with 39 seconds left, to take a 21-17 advantage into the second period. The home team’s offense was fueled by a relentless attack that drew frequent fouls, setting a tone that would last the entire contest.

DePaul, which struggled with its shooting touch all evening, could never mount a sustained challenge. The Blue Demons shot a frigid 36.5 percent from the field and were particularly cold from beyond the arc, making just 3 of 18 attempts. Their woes extended to the free-throw line, where they converted only 7 of 16 chances.

In stark contrast, Bradley’s offense was methodical and effective. The Braves shot 43.9 percent from the floor and were lethal from the charity stripe, making 21 of 26 free throws. This proficiency from the line repeatedly stifled DePaul’s attempts to cut into the deficit, as Bradley answered nearly every Blue Demon basket with converted free throws to maintain a comfortable cushion.

The statistical disparity in offensive efficiency was stark. Bradley scored 78 points on 77 possessions, an offensive rating of 100.8, while DePaul managed only 64 points on 80 possessions, an offensive rating of 80.4.

Bradley’s victory was spearheaded by a stellar performance from Kaylen Nelson. The 5-foot-10 guard from Tulsa, Oklahoma, poured in a game-high 28 points in just 31 minutes, demonstrating a versatile scoring arsenal with drives to the basket and perimeter shooting. She was instrumental in the third quarter, hitting a pair of crucial 3-pointers that helped push the Braves’ lead to 58-47 heading into the final period.

She was ably supported by backcourt partner Mya Wardle, a Peoria native who orchestrated the offense with precision. Wardle finished with 13 points and a game-high eight assists, consistently breaking down the DePaul defense. Maya Foz added 14 points off the bench for the Braves, providing a vital scoring spark.

For DePaul, the effort was led by Natiah Nelson, who logged a team-high 38 minutes and contributed 15 points, five rebounds and two blocks. Kate Novik recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Alayna West filled the stat sheet with 11 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Michelle Ojo also reached double figures with 10 points.

Despite forcing Bradley into 21 turnovers, DePaul could only convert them into 10 points. Bradley, meanwhile, capitalized more effectively on DePaul’s 16 mistakes, scoring 14 points off turnovers. The Blue Demons held a significant 44-32 advantage in points in the paint and out-rebounded the Braves on the offensive glass, but their poor shooting nullified those extra opportunities.

The result was an upset according to pregame analytics, as Interstat’s ELO system had projected DePaul with an 81.50 percent probability to win.

DePaul will look to rebound when it hosts Northwestern on Monday. Bradley, now 2-0, hits the road for its next contest, facing IU Indy on Saturday.