Bradley Braves (5-5, 0-0) AT Drake Bulldogs (5-7, 0-0)

Don't have time this morning for a full graphic, but here are some quick thoughts:

• Our defense has shown some improvement over the last two games. While we did allow an average of 73.5 points over that span, we have shown some minor improvement in adjusted points/possession numbers. This is especially the case when you compare them to our poor defensive performances against Binghamton and North Dakota (again, on an adjusted basis). I don't have the full breakdown, but I am intrigued to see how we fare tonight against Bradley, which is essentially a spot on average offensive ballclub.
• We need to figure out how to win close games. This is obviously a sign of a young team, but consider that we have been leading in the second half of 6 of our 7 losses. If we were able to figure out how to hold onto the leads in half of those games, consider how we would be looking, with a 8-5 record heading into conference play.
• I'm especially looking tonight at how Simons responds to his recent slump, how JY responds to failing to close out a big game for us, and how Wedel plays with what appears to be an ankle that is 100%.

Bradley's coming into tonight on a three-game skid after their big win over Illinois and a follow-up win over Northern Illinois. However, those losses weren't against poor teams (one was against Iowa State and another was against a 10-2 Western Carolina team).

That said, both teams are coming back from a break following a tough loss. Drake obviously blew several chances to beat a great San Diego State squad, and Bradley virtually got run out of the gym in Ames until Iowa State let up and let them back into the game late. It will be interesting to see who utilized their break to put their tough loss behind them.

I'm guessing both teams will come out playing hard and we'll see a great game. I haven't had the chance to research this as much as I'd like, but I have a feeling this could be a close game. Considering our recent play in holding leads in tight games, I have some concern.

Prediction: Bradley 68, Drake 65