Saturday, February 22, 2014 7:00 p.m.
Carver Arena, Peoria, IL

Since Bradley’s 63-54 win over Loyola at Gentile Arena on February 6, the Braves have gone 1-3 (and lost three in a row), dropping back into the bottom four spots in the conference standings. In that game against Loyola, the Braves used double-digit scoring efforts from Walt Lemon, Jr., Tyshon Pickett, and Omari Greer to overcome Loyola’s stingy defense and deliberate pace. The Braves used their speed, energy, and length to hold Loyola to only 34% shooting from the field, and Chrisian Thomas to one of his lowest scoring outputs (9 points) in the past year and a half. The Ramblers outrebounded the Braves, but Bradley used 13 more trips to the line, 18 Loyola turnovers, and eight steals to earn the victory.

Loyola’s struggles on the road are well known, and Bradley has been very solid at home (10-5 overall, 5-2 in conference). The biggest contrast between the two teams styles is the disparity in field goal shooting percentage. The Ramblers (despite their poor performance against Bradley in the previous game) are tied for the lead in field goal shooting percentage in conference play, and the Braves are dead last.

If the Ramblers want to finally put their road losing streak to an end, they’ll need to return to better field goal shooting, make use of the free throw line, and take care of the ball. Bradley is 1-4 on the season when Walt Lemon, Jr. is called for four or more fouls; they are 4-12 on the season (1-6 in conference) when he is held below 20 points.

There is likely to be a huge home crowd for today’s game as Bradley retires its Braves mascot and debuts their new Gargoyles mascot.

Vegas opening line: Bradley by 5

Loyola game notes: http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/loy ... 221aaa.pdf

Bradley game notes: http://www.bradleybraves.com/pdf9/2644905.pdf

Video: Comcast SportsNet, ESPN 3

Loyola audio: http://client.stretchinternet.com/client/luc.portal#

Bradley message board: http://www.bradleyfans.com/

An ice sculpture celebrating Bradley's new Gargoyle mascot at Carver Arena.

Wait a minute--Just a darn minute !!! The BRAVES have not gone politically incorrect have they ?? Cripes !! Tell me we are not going to be calling them the GARGOYLES ??????? That Bradley GARGOYLES !!!! YUCK !

They are still called the Braves but the mascot is a gargoyle. Go figure.

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Kaboom wants no part of Lu Wolf.

ProTip for Bradley: If you're going to shoot off fireworks before the game, it'd be nice to have some ventilation to clear the room so it doesn't look like they're playing in a fog.

01,

Is Ramblermania's Cornbelt Correspondent (i.e. you) live at the scene?

Unfortunately, no. Work and weather prevented it. I'm live in front of my television

All things considered, not a terrible start.

Loved that alley oop

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Cigarboy sucks!

I'm here. It's smoky as hell. Sweet intro for Kaboom though.

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Of course. I said we were doing ok and then we have issues. Natch.

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Cigarboy sucks!