Braves Prevail in Normal Edition of I-74
Written by Braden Fogerson on February 3, 2024
NORMAL, Ill. – The I-74 rivalry’s latest chapter was a forgettable one for the Redbirds as Bradley won 73-60.
ISU never once led in the game and allowed the Braves to stretch the lead up to 25 at one point midway through the second half.
Malevy Leons led the Bradley offense with 23 points and four rebounds. It was enough to earn his thousandth point in just three years at Bradley.
Darius Hannah scored 18 on the day after he hit eight-of-nine from the field and was perfect until late in the second half.
Freshman Chase Walker was a bright spot while the game was still close for ISU, earning a pair of points and a steal that led to a Kendall Lewis slam dunk.
“He brought us a physicality in the paint, and a presence that we sorely lacked,” said Head Coach Ryan Pedon.
Malachi Poindexter finished with 16 to lead the Redbirds, including four-of-five from beyond the arc, but most of his scoring came late in the game.
“It felt good getting the shot going but really I just wanted to win the game so that’s all I was trying to do towards the end,” said Poindexter.
The Braves and Redbirds will face again in Peoria on the 24th.
