Bradley WBB Aims to Stay Undefeated at Home vs. Flames

Peoria, Ill. – Bradley Women’s Basketball looks to sweep the weekend as they take on the UIC Flames on Sunday at 2 p.m.

Game Information

Matchup: Bradley Braves vs. UIC Flames

Date: Sunday, January 25, 2026

Time: 2:00 p.m.

Streaming: ESPN+

Live Stats: Link

What to Watch

The Braves are coming into this matchup with a 12-7 record and remain undefeated at home (8-0). In their last game, Bradley dominated Valparaiso 79-39, highlighted by a 22-point run in the second quarter.  The Braves have made a name for themselves as a strong defensive team, especially from beyond the arc, where they hold opponents to an MVC best .246 three-point percentage. They have the third-lowest points allowed at 64.5 and hold opponents to the third-lowest field goal percentage at .403. Offensively, Bradley holds the best three-point percentage in the conference at .346, while ranking fourth in points scored (72.4 per game) and fourth in field goal percentage (.419). Beyond their efficient offense and defense, much of the Braves’ success comes from their attention to the smaller details. They rank third in the conference in blocks (4.00 per game), steals (8.32 per game), and assists (14.37 per game), and they have the second-largest turnover margin in the Missouri Valley Conference (1.74 per game).

The Flames enter this matchup with a 9-10 record (4-4 MVC) and are coming off a huge win over Illinois State. UIC has made a name for themselves with their strong defensive play, as they have allowed the fewest points per game in the MVC this season at 63.4. They have also held their opponents to the fourth-lowest field goal percentage in the MVC at .413 and the sixth-lowest three-point percentage at .313. Despite averaging just 63.6 points per game, one of the lowest marks in the MVC, the Flames have the second-highest field goal percentage at .438 and the sixth-highest three-point percentage at .293. UIC’s two biggest weaknesses are free-throw shooting, as they have the second-lowest free-throw percentage in the MVC at .658, and rebounding, as they have the fewest rebounds per game at 34.4.

Key Players to Watch

Kaylen Nelson has been on fire recently, scoring 20+ points in three of her last four games. She ranks fourth in the MVC in points scored at 17.7 per game and leads the conference in three-point percentage (.406) and three-pointers made per game (3.1). Maya Foz has also been phenomenal recently, scoring 15+ points in each of her last three games. She ranks 12th in the MVC with 14.3 points per game, and she has the 10th-highest field goal percentage at .472. Ellie McDermid has been taking on a larger role as she has totaled 37 rebounds, 28 points, nine assists, four blocks, and one steal over her last four games. She ranks sixth in the MVC in blocks per game at 1.2 and 15th in the conference in rebounding at 5.9 per game.

UIC is led by Jessica Carrothers, who ranks third in the MVC in points per game at 18.6 and fifth in assists at 4.0 per game. Julia Coleman is another strong contributor for the Flames, ranking second on the team in points per game at 14.7 while leading the team in rebounds per game at 6.5, total steals at 39, and total blocks at 16. Sara Zabrecky is their primary three-point shooter, as she has a .384 three-point percentage on 73 attempts. She averages 5.1 points per game and 3.5 rebounds per game.