PEORIA, Ill. (Interstat) — In a defensive struggle defined by missed shots and relentless pressure, the Bradley women’s basketball team edged Belmont 51-47 in a pivotal Missouri Valley Conference matchup on Sunday at Carver Arena.

The game, witnessed by 897 fans, saw both teams combine to shoot just 34 of 101 from the field and 7 of 34 from three-point range. The difference came down to a decisive second-quarter surge by the Braves and a series of critical plays in the final minute to hold off a furious Belmont rally.

Bradley improved to 19-9 overall, while Belmont fell to 16-11.

The most important part of the game unfolded in the second quarter, where Bradley erased an early deficit and built a lead it would never fully relinquish. Belmont started strong, using an 11-0 run to close the first quarter with a 13-6 advantage. The Bruins’ defense held Bradley to 3-of-16 shooting in the opening period.

The momentum shifted dramatically in the second. Bradley’s defense intensified, forcing Belmont into a series of difficult shots and turnovers. The Bruins managed only five points in the quarter on 2-of-13 shooting. Meanwhile, Bradley’s offense found a rhythm, primarily through attacking the paint. The Braves outscored Belmont 18-5 in the period, turning a seven-point deficit into a 24-18 halftime lead. A key sequence saw Bradley score eight unanswered points, capped by a Maya Foz layup and a three-pointer from Kaylen Nelson, to seize control.

Bradley maintained a narrow but persistent lead throughout the second half, though it could never fully shake the Bruins. Belmont’s offensive woes continued into the third quarter, but a resilient defensive effort, which included 13 steals for the game, kept them within striking distance.

The fourth quarter provided the final, tense chapter. Trailing 41-35 with under six minutes to play, Belmont mounted its most serious challenge. Consecutive three-pointers from Tuti Jones and Sanaa Tripp, followed by a Quinn Eubank triple, fueled a 9-3 run that tied the game at 44 with 4:01 remaining.

Bradley responded immediately. On the ensuing possession, Nelson drove for a layup while being fouled and completed the three-point play to put the Braves back ahead 47-44. After trading free throws, Bradley clung to a 49-47 lead with 24 seconds left.

Belmont had a chance to tie or take the lead, but Jailyn Banks missed the second of two free throws. Bradley’s Tamia Perryman secured the defensive rebound and was fouled. She made one of two free throws with four seconds left to extend the lead to 50-47. Following a timeout, Belmont’s desperation three-point attempt by Banks was off the mark, and Perryman sealed the victory with one more free throw.

Bradley was led by Kaylen Nelson, who scored a game-high 19 points and added eight rebounds. Maya Foz contributed 11 points and six rebounds. The Braves dominated inside, scoring 30 points in the paint and converting 15 points off Belmont’s 15 turnovers.

For Belmont, Avery Strickland and Jailyn Banks each scored 11 points. Quinn Eubank just missed a double-double with nine points and nine rebounds. The Bruins won the battle on the glass, outrebounding Bradley 44-35, including a 10-3 advantage on the offensive boards, which led to 13 second-chance points. However, their 28 percent shooting from the field proved insurmountable.

The victory avenged a 78-57 home loss for Bradley against Belmont on Jan. 2. According to Interstat’s ELO system, Belmont had been projected with a 79.20 percent probability to win Sunday’s contest.

Bradley next plays at Illinois-Chicago on Thursday. Belmont returns home to host Indiana State on Saturday.