Preview: Bradley Braves at Indiana State Sycamores

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (Interstat) — The Bradley Braves look to solidify their position in the Missouri Valley Conference standings when they visit the Indiana State Sycamores in a women’s basketball matchup Saturday at Hulman Center.

Bradley (14-8 overall) enters with a stronger record but is looking to rebound from a tough 54-58 overtime road loss at Illinois State last Sunday. The Braves had won three straight prior to that defeat. Indiana State (8-13) arrives with momentum from a 78-75 road victory at Evansville, securing its second consecutive win.

The teams met less than a month ago in Peoria, with Bradley securing a 79-74 home win on Jan. 11. In that game, Bradley’s Ellie McDermid contributed 2 points and 8 rebounds, while Indiana State’s Clemisha Prackett had 6 points and 7 rebounds.

McDermid, a key player for the Braves, is coming off a significant performance in the loss to Illinois State, logging 41 minutes with 10 points, 8 rebounds and 3 blocks. Over her last seven games, she has shown versatility, including a 14-point outing at Drake and a 13-rebound effort at Northern Iowa.

For the Sycamores, Prackett is a focal point after erupting for 20 points and 7 rebounds in the win at Evansville. She has recorded two double-doubles in her last five games, demonstrating her capability to impact the scoreboard and the glass.

Bradley’s recent success has been built on defense, holding opponents under 65 points in three of their last five wins. Indiana State’s challenge will be maintaining its recent offensive efficiency after scoring 77 and 78 points in its last two victories, a level of production it has struggled to sustain consistently this season.

This conference clash is pivotal for both teams as they navigate the second half of the Valley schedule. Bradley aims to keep pace near the top, while Indiana State seeks to climb the ladder and build on its current winning streak.

Tip-off is set for Saturday afternoon.