Selfishly, this is one of the most important games to a segment of Bradley fans. No, not because Northern Illinois is a great opponent. But, it's an opportunity for alumni/parents/fans to see the Braves without having to make a 2-3 hour drive.
Jim Les has seemed to make a concerted effort to schedule at least one game in the area (recent opponents have included UIC, Loyola, Wisconsin-Milwaukee) per season. Sure, some of these were return games for BracketBuster matchups, but the end result is still the same. Otherwise, why would Bradley schedule Northern Illinois anyway?
Similar to the Bradley v. Illinois scenario, the Braves have little to gain by playing Northern Illinois. Yes, road experience is always important but outside of that, a lot more would be lost if somehow the Huskies can pull out a win.
That's not to suggest that Bradley shouldn't play interstate schools. If my nonconference schedule was Northern Illinois, Eastern Illinois, UIC and Western Illinois, would it really be any weaker than playing teams from the Big Sky, MAAC and SWAC conferences? At least this way, teams can have a little bragging rights within the state.
Maybe this is something worth going into more detail, but for now, let's get to tonight's game. I'll be in attendance for the first time this season and will try to take and post pictures afterward like last season.
Northern Illinois press release: here
Bradley Press release: here
Interesting facts
- Bradley holds a 7-1 all-time record against NIU, having won the last seven matchups
- NIU has played two Bradley opponents, at Illinois (lost 61-80) and at Northern Iowa (lost 45-52)
- NIU has averaged 24 fouls per game, so Bradley will need to get to the line and convert its opportunities (69.3 percent on the season)
Final score
I think Bradley avoids the "trap game" and shows up well in front of a large road crowd in red. Bradley 71 Northern Illinois 64
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