Peoria, IL — On January 1, 2026, the Bradley Braves will kick off the new year with an away game against the Belmont Bruins.
Game Details
- Teams: Bradley Braves (10-4, 3-0 MVC) vs. Belmont Bruins (12-2, 2-1 MVC)
- Date & Time: Thursday, January 1st at 6:00 PM CST
- Location: Curb Event Center, Nashville, TN
- Live Coverage: Live Stats | Watch | Listen
- Series History: Belmont leads 3-2
The Matchup
As two of the top teams in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC), this game promises to be exciting. Currently, four teams, including Bradley and Belmont, are unbeaten in MVC play. The league has shown a balance this season, highlighted by tight games; four of the last five conference matches were decided by 10 points or fewer. Both teams are in the top five for scoring offense and defense.
Bradley Braves
Bradley enters this game on a high, boasting a seven-game win streak and winning nine of their last ten. They’ve been solid defensively, allowing over 69 points only once during this stretch. Jaquan Johnson has emerged as a star, ranking in the top five for scoring, assists, and steals in the MVC. He recently scored over 20 points in three consecutive games, a feat not achieved by a Brave since 2019. Freshman Montana Wheeler has also made waves, averaging 12.7 points and ranking second in assist-to-turnover ratio.
Belmont Bruins
Belmont started strong with a 12-2 record, though they are coming off an overtime loss at Indiana State. Under coach Casey Alexander, who has a career record of 289-176, the Bruins are led by Tyler Lundblade, averaging 16.6 points per game. Belmont excels in both field goal percentage (51%) and rebounding (40 RPG), indicating a well-rounded team.
Historical Context
The series between the Braves and Bruins is closely contested. In their five meetings, Belmont holds a slight edge with three wins. Notably, most of these games have been remarkably close, often decided by just a few points. When Bradley takes the court, it will mark the 123rd anniversary of their basketball program, dating back to their first official game on January 1, 1903, against the “Invincibles.”
Fans can catch the game on ESPN+ or through radio coverage on 1470 WMBD. This New Year’s matchup is not just about points on the scoreboard; it’s a celebration of history and rivalry in college basketball.
