Bradley Braves Set to Clash with North Alabama Lions in NIT Showdown After Postseason Setback
The Bradley Braves, boasting a commendable 26-8 record, are poised to welcome the North Alabama Lions (24-10) to their home court for an intriguing matchup in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT). This contest marks a significant opportunity for both teams to showcase their talents and continue their postseason journey, even after falling short of the NCAA Tournament. The game is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ESPN+, offering fans a chance to witness what promises to be a competitive and exciting basketball game.
Bradley enters the game carrying the momentum of five consecutive home victories, demonstrating their strength and comfort playing in front of their loyal fanbase. However, their most recent outing was a disappointing 63-48 loss to Drake on Sunday, a result they will undoubtedly be eager to put behind them. That loss served as a stark reminder that even the best teams can have off nights, and the Braves will need to regroup and refocus to perform at their peak against North Alabama.
On the other side, North Alabama also experienced a recent setback, suffering a 76-65 defeat at the hands of Lipscomb on Sunday. Like Bradley, the Lions will be motivated to bounce back from this loss and prove their capabilities on a national stage. The NIT provides a valuable platform for teams like North Alabama to gain exposure and build momentum for future seasons.
In the loss to Drake, Darius Hannah emerged as a bright spot for Bradley, leading the team with an impressive 19 points. Hannah’s performance underscores his importance to the Braves’ offense and his ability to step up in crucial moments. However, the team will need more consistent contributions from other players to alleviate the pressure on Hannah and ensure a more balanced scoring attack.
For North Alabama, Jacari Lane spearheaded the offensive effort against Lipscomb, contributing a team-high 18 points. Lane’s scoring prowess is a key component of the Lions’ strategy, and Bradley will need to devise a plan to contain his offensive output. Limiting Lane’s effectiveness will be crucial to slowing down North Alabama’s offense and increasing the Braves’ chances of securing a victory.
Examining recent scoring trends, Bradley has been averaging 71.2 points per game in their last 10 contests, slightly below their season average of 76.8 points per game. This suggests a potential dip in offensive production, possibly due to increased defensive pressure from opponents or a slight slump in shooting accuracy. The Braves will need to rediscover their offensive rhythm and find ways to generate more scoring opportunities to overcome North Alabama’s defense.
Meanwhile, North Alabama has been demonstrating a potent offensive attack, averaging 79.1 points per game throughout the 2024-25 season. Notably, their scoring average has increased slightly to 79.6 points per game in their last 10 outings, indicating that their offense is currently operating at a high level. This offensive surge makes them a formidable opponent, and Bradley will need to be prepared to defend against their diverse scoring threats.
The key to victory for Bradley will likely hinge on their ability to tighten up their defense and limit North Alabama’s scoring opportunities. They will need to focus on containing Jacari Lane and other key offensive players, forcing turnovers, and controlling the tempo of the game. Offensively, they will need to find more consistent scoring options beyond Darius Hannah and improve their shooting efficiency.
North Alabama, on the other hand, will aim to capitalize on their offensive strengths and exploit any defensive vulnerabilities in Bradley’s lineup. They will need to continue their strong scoring performance, rely on Jacari Lane’s leadership, and execute their offensive sets effectively. Defensively, they will need to disrupt Bradley’s offensive flow and prevent them from establishing a comfortable rhythm.
The NIT provides a valuable opportunity for both teams to gain experience, showcase their talent, and build momentum for future seasons. For Bradley, it’s a chance to redeem themselves after the loss to Drake and prove that they are a force to be reckoned with. For North Alabama, it’s a chance to make a statement on a national stage and demonstrate their capabilities against a strong opponent.
This matchup between Bradley and North Alabama promises to be a compelling and competitive contest. Both teams are hungry for a victory and eager to continue their postseason journey. With the game being broadcast on ESPN+, fans across the country will have the opportunity to witness this exciting clash between two talented basketball programs. The outcome will likely depend on which team can execute their game plan more effectively, control the tempo of the game, and make crucial plays down the stretch. It’s a game that basketball enthusiasts won’t want to miss.
