PEORIA, Ill. (Interstat) — In a game defined by offensive efficiency and defensive pressure, the Bradley Braves used a strong start and a dominant performance from the free-throw line to secure a 78-64 victory over the DePaul Blue Demons in a nonconference 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 never trailed, establishing control early by outscoring DePaul 21-17 in the first quarter and maintaining a lead throughout the contest. The separation came from starkly different performances at the charity stripe. Bradley capitalized on its opportunities, converting 21 of 26 free throws. DePaul, conversely, struggled immensely, making only 7 of 16 attempts from the line.

The offensive disparity was further highlighted by the teams’ efficiency ratings. Bradley scored 78 points on 77 possessions for an offensive rating of 100.8, while DePaul managed just 64 points on 80 possessions, an offensive rating of 80.4.

Bradley was led by a stellar performance from Kaylen Nelson. The sophomore guard from Tulsa, Oklahoma, poured in a game-high 28 points in just 31 minutes of action. She was instrumental in building the Braves’ lead, scoring from all levels of the court.

Mya Wardle, a hometown product from Peoria, orchestrated the Bradley offense with precision. The junior guard dished out eight assists to go along with 13 points. Maya Foz also provided a significant scoring punch off the bench, adding 14 points for the Braves.

DePaul was paced by Natiah Nelson, who tallied 15 points, five rebounds and two blocks. Kate Novik recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Alayna West contributed 11 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Michelle Ojo also reached double figures with 10 points.

Despite the loss, DePaul won the battle in the paint, outscoring Bradley 44-32, and grabbed 18 offensive rebounds to Bradley’s 13. However, the Blue Demons’ shooting woes proved too much to overcome. The team shot just 36.5% from the field and a frigid 16.7% from three-point range.

Bradley also forced 16 DePaul turnovers, converting them into 14 points, while committing 21 turnovers of their own, which led to 10 points for the Blue Demons. The defensive effort was a collective one, with the Braves recording 10 steals and two blocks, nearly matching DePaul’s nine steals and five blocks.

The game’s statistical profile underscored Bradley’s more effective offensive execution. By making the most of their possessions and capitalizing on free throws, the Braves built a sustainable lead that DePaul could not surmount, despite a 20-point fourth-quarter push. Bradley’s victory was a product of superior efficiency and key individual performances, setting a positive tone for the rest of their nonconference schedule.