The War of 74, for anyone who follows Bradley Basketball, they love and hate that phrase at the same time. They love it because it means Carver Arena will be filled with Braves fans all the way to the very top of the arena but it also means they have to sit through two plus hours of tension filled basketball. Last night was no different, 9,088 people filed into Carver Arena to watch round one of the War on 74 take place. Now the last time the Braves beat the Redbirds was back in Jan. 6, 2009. Needless to say this win was a much needed one for the Braves. If you were watching the game at all last night, you would have thought after the first 11 minutes had been played that it would be a blow out game with ISU on top. ISU led 25-9 with 9:01 left in the first half. Never underestimate the determination of a Brave though; at the half the Braves had gotten the score up to a more respectable 38-26. With an 12 point deficit and 20 minutes left of playing time, the Braves still had a long way to go.
When it comes to Bradley Basketball, the Braves usually have a mediocre half and then a half where it’s like “where did this team come from?” That’s exactly what happened, Walt Lemon Jr., a junior guard was determined to give the seniors a win they have deserved for so long. Along with the help of senior Dyricus Simms-Edwards, the Braves made a comeback that shocked everyone in the arena. You could feel the energy in the place the crowd wanted Bradley to win and I think the Braves could feel that. The student section of filled into the upper bowl and it was amazing to see the school spirit going around. At that point, I have never been more proud to be a Bradley Brave. With a career high of 27 points, Lemon helped give the seniors that win they have never had against the Redbirds. The last 1:51 of the game took what felt like the longest 13 minutes of any game so far to complete and it was well worth it. The Braves came out on top with an 83-77 win.
The student section sort of “rushed” the court, to be fare they haven’t had a reason to do that in a while but it was nice to see the students support the players. Some of the players even joined the crowd of students on the floor to join in the celebration. Let’s all be reminded this was only round one of the war, there is still one to go and it won’t be an easy win at all. Bradley will have to fight for the next one because ISU will not stand to have Bradley win at Redbird Arena. I think it’s safe to say that last night every Braves fan in that arena was so proud of the men’s basketball team and what they had just accomplished.
Brooke Neal
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