Bradleyfans....
I come in peace from Panther-land. Tonight's game was entertaining to watch (I would have said this regardless of the outcome...I'm happier though, but that's beside the point)...it had the ups and downs (both sides having long droughts) and poor officiating (it somehow added a tragic comedy to the game). I was not so sure on Bradley at the beginning of the season, even with Andrew Warren, but I have to admit, you guys are a great team (and I know you weren't even 'on' tonight). The BU 1/2 court pressure defense makes it so difficult to start the offense. There are ways to get around it, but it definitely slows some things down. Very few shots by UNI were wide open shots where guys were 4 feet behind due to a screen or a lost defender. I have no doubt, BU is going to be in the race until the end. I felt that tonight's difference was that UNI's depth allowed them to keep Koch fresh down the stretch. Wilson and Dunson have averaged 35 minutes per game at Southern and UNI. That's alot of minutes down the stretch and may have attributed to some of the turnovers and missed shots late.
UNI is in a crazy position right now. No one could have expected it. As stated before, they have been lucky at times and have been able to ride hot hands and when those aren't going, their defense has been solid enough. But, with games at home vs. illinois state, Creighton, and SIU and at Bradley still ahead, it's going to still be a long 6 weeks. Keep your heads up Braves fans, you guys will be fine. And, I apologize for the officiating...as a fan, I was embarrassed it happened on our home court.