Southern Illinois University’s women’s basketball team is set to return to the court after an 11-day break, facing Bradley University on Thursday. The game marks the start of Missouri Valley Conference play for both teams and will take place at Renaissance Coliseum in Peoria, Illinois, with tipoff scheduled for 6 p.m.
The Salukis (2-6) last played on December 6, when they secured a close victory over SEMO with a score of 76-71. In that game, Southern Illinois overcame a one-point deficit in the final minute by scoring six straight points. Alayna Kraus led the team with 18 points, while Kayla Cooper, Jeniah Thompson, and Tkiyah Nelson also reached double figures. Thompson recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Indya Green contributed eight points and ten rebounds.
This upcoming matchup follows Southern’s longest break between games this season. Prior to the pause, the Salukis had played seven games within a span of 22 days, including five road contests.
Bradley enters Thursday’s contest with a record of 6-4. The Braves are coming off consecutive wins against South Dakota and Chicago State earlier this month. Their non-conference schedule has included victories over DePaul from the Big East Conference and losses to Missouri (SEC) and Nebraska (Big Ten). Under head coach Kate Popvec-Goss, Bradley saw its best performance last season with an overall record of 14-19 and improved conference results.
Historically, Southern Illinois has dominated the series against Bradley since their first meeting in 1983, holding a 63-23 advantage. However, Bradley has won the last two meetings between these teams. The most recent win for SIU in this series came on March 2, 2024.
Fans can follow live updates through Bradley’s website, listen via The Varsity Network or watch on ESPN+.
