PEORIA, Ill. (AP) — The Bradley Braves secured a hard-fought victory against the North Alabama Lions, winning 71-62 in the first round of the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) on March 19, 2025. Darius Hannah, who had a notable return to the team, led the Braves with 17 points off the bench. This victory sends Bradley (27-8) on to face George Mason in the second round of the tournament.
Hannah had initially opted out of the NIT but decided to join his teammates once again, motivated by the desire to compete alongside them. "I just want to say, I've always been all-in," Hannah stated. "I didn't know if I could compete at a high level. I was dealing with a few aches and pains I wanted to get checked out. I'm a competitor. I'm going to compete with my brothers to the end." His determination was palpable as he contributed significantly to the Braves' success.
In this pivotal match, Bradley showcased their skill early on, dominating the first half with a commanding 39-21 lead at halftime. Christian Davis added 13 points and six rebounds, while Jaquan Johnson chipped in with 11 points and four steals, providing valuable support for the team.
The Lions, who finished the season with a record of 24-11, made a spirited comeback in the second half, cutting Bradley's lead to just four points at one stage. Donte Bacchus led North Alabama with a strong performance, scoring 19 points and hauling in eight rebounds. North Alabama's Jacari Lane also contributed with 12 points, but it was not enough to overcome the Braves.
Bradley's head coach, Brian Wardle, praised his team's effort and resilience. "First one is always the hardest in any tournament, we got the first one. Now we got to go on the road and play a team that had a great year … we're going to have to play well," he said. Coach Wardle was particularly pleased with Hannah’s return and his performance, especially considering Hannah's contributions to the program over his five seasons, where he scored 1,150 points, the 36th most in Bradley's history.
The game was played in front of 2,950 fans at Carver Arena and showcased the intensity and stakes of postseason basketball. Bradley's lead appeared safe as they jumped ahead 20 points early in the second half, but North Alabama's resilience brought them back into contention. Each time the Lions threatened, the Braves responded, holding off the challenge to secure their spot in the next round.
Hannah's resurgence was particularly noteworthy, as he missed several practices prior to this game. His early contributions helped set the tone for the Braves, who had to manage their lineup changes due to his absence and the decision of Zek Montgomery to opt out of the NIT as well. Freshman Timoty van der Knaap stepped up to make his first career start, scoring eight points and illustrating the depth and potential of Bradley's roster.
Duke Deen, Bradley's senior guard, also made headlines by surpassing the all-time career 3-pointers made record for the school, hitting his 263rd 3-pointer during the game. He finished with eight points and three assists. "It's great, it feels good to do it," Deen remarked. "That shot was a good rhythm, good feeling. I'm trying to keep it going for these guys."
Bradley will face George Mason, who enters the matchup with a matching record of 27-8 after their own victory against Samford. The game is scheduled for March 22, 2025, at EagleBank Arena in Virginia, where the stakes will be higher as teams vie for advancement in the tournament. With the legacy and hopes of their fans on the line, the Braves are looking to build on their momentum and carry their mission forward in the NIT.
This victory not only highlights Bradley’s current success in the tournament but also serves to reinforce the team's unity and grit, factors that they will need moving forward. As they prepare for the upcoming challenge, the Braves reflect on their journey and the friendships that have forged their path in pursuit of excellence.
