Northern Iowa Edges Bradley in Close Contest
Saturday, March 7, 2026, 6:00 PM ET · Enterprise Center
Northern Iowa Panthers 73, Bradley Braves 69, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Northern Iowa Panthers vs Bradley Braves?
Northern Iowa Panthers beat Bradley Braves 73-69 at Enterprise Center on March 7, 2026.
Who was favored in Northern Iowa Panthers vs Bradley Braves?
Northern Iowa Panthers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -192 (about 66% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Northern Iowa Panthers defeated the Bradley Braves 73-69 at the Enterprise Center on March 7, 2026. This victory not only showcased Northern Iowa's resilience but also marked a significant moment in their season, as they improved their record to 22-12 while Bradley fell to 21-12.
Northern Iowa entered this game with a solid recent form, having won seven of their last ten games, including a two-game winning streak. Their average scoring during this stretch was 74.3 points, while they allowed just 61.9 points per game. In contrast, Bradley had a record of 6-4 in their last ten outings, with an average of 76.2 points scored and 73.8 points allowed. Both teams had contrasting home and away records; Bradley was 4-1 at home in their last five games, while Northern Iowa boasted a 3-1 record in away games.
The matchup was particularly intriguing given their recent encounters. This was the fourth meeting between the two teams in the current season, with the series tied at 2-2. Earlier in the season, Northern Iowa had defeated Bradley 61-49 on February 7, while Bradley had won their previous home encounter 75-69 on January 10. This back-and-forth rivalry added an extra layer of excitement to the game.
In terms of injuries, both teams appeared to be at full strength, which contributed to the competitive nature of the game. The market had Northern Iowa favored by 4.5 points, with the total set at 127.5 according to DraftKings. This line reflected the anticipation of a close game, and the final score confirmed that expectation.
The game conditions were conducive to a high-energy performance, with both teams displaying their offensive capabilities. Northern Iowa's scoring was highlighted by key plays in the second half, including a driving layup by Ben Schwieger that pushed their lead to 69-62. Jaquan Johnson also contributed significantly, making crucial layups that kept Bradley at bay. Free throws by Leon Bond III and Trey Campbell further solidified Northern Iowa's lead as they closed out the game.
As the game unfolded, viewers were treated to a display of skill and determination from both sides. The scoring plays in the second half were pivotal, with Northern Iowa maintaining composure under pressure. Bradley fought hard to stay in the game, but ultimately fell short, unable to overcome the deficit created by Northern Iowa's late-game execution.
In conclusion, Northern Iowa's victory over Bradley was a testament to their strong finish to the season, highlighted by effective scoring and strategic plays in critical moments. The game not only impacted the standings but also set the stage for potential future encounters between these two competitive teams.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UNI -4.5 | 127.5 o -108 / u -112 | Northern Iowa Panthers -192 · Bradley Braves +160 |
Leaders
- PointsTimoty van der Knaap12Bradley Braves
- AssistsJaquan Johnson5Bradley Braves
- ReboundsTimoty van der Knaap6Bradley Braves
- PointsLeon Bond III19Northern Iowa Panthers
- AssistsTrey Campbell6Northern Iowa Panthers
- ReboundsBen Schwieger5Northern Iowa Panthers
Recent form
Bradley Braves
Last 10: 6-4Streak W176.2 scored · 73.8 allowed per game4-1 at home
- W87-78vs Murray State RacersMar 1
- L86-93at UIC FlamesFeb 25
- W74-60vs Illinois State RedbirdsFeb 22
- L72-79at Valparaiso BeaconsFeb 19
- W70-60at Southern Illinois SalukisFeb 15
- W95-84vs Belmont BruinsFeb 10
- L49-61at Northern Iowa PanthersFeb 7
- W72-65vs Valparaiso BeaconsFeb 4
- W87-73at Drake BulldogsJan 31
- L70-85vs UIC FlamesJan 25
Northern Iowa Panthers
Last 10: 7-3Streak W274.3 scored · 61.9 allowed per game3-1 away
- W68-59vs Evansville Purple AcesMar 6
- W75-53at Drake BulldogsMar 1
- L69-71vs Illinois State RedbirdsFeb 26
- L57-59vs Southern Illinois SalukisFeb 21
- W81-60at Indiana State SycamoresFeb 19
- W86-62vs Drake BulldogsFeb 15
- L86-91at Belmont BruinsFeb 13
- W89-60at Murray State RacersFeb 10
- W61-49vs Bradley BravesFeb 7
- W71-55vs Evansville Purple AcesJan 31
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belmont | 26-6 | - | 16-4 |
| Bradley | 21-13 | 3 | 13-7 |
| Illinois State | 23-13 | 4 | 12-8 |
| Murray State | 20-13 | 4 | 12-8 |
| UIC | 19-16 | 4 | 12-8 |
| Northern Iowa | 23-13 | 5 | 11-9 |
| Valparaiso | 18-15 | 5 | 11-9 |
| Southern Illinois | 16-16 | 6 | 10-10 |
| Drake | 14-20 | 10 | 6-14 |
| Indiana State | 11-21 | 12 | 4-16 |
| Evansville | 7-25 | 13 | 3-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Northern Iowa Panthers | Bradley Braves |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 29-44 | 23-53 |
| Field goal % | 66 | 43 |
| Three-pointers | 6-9 | 8-21 |
| Three-point % | 67 | 38 |
| Free throws | 9-15 | 15-18 |
| Free throw % | 60 | 83 |
| Rebounds | 24 | 22 |
| Offensive rebounds | 1 | 8 |
| Defensive rebounds | 23 | 14 |
| Assists | 16 | 15 |
| Steals | 7 | 9 |
| Blocks | 1 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Points off turnovers | 10 | 10 |
| Fast-break points | 12 | 2 |
| Points in the paint | 34 | 26 |
| Fouls | 18 | 16 |
| Largest lead | 18 | 1 |
| Lead changes | 2 | 2 |
| Time in front | 98 | 1 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half45-30Ben Schwieger makes 11-foot turnaround jump shot (Trey Campbell assists)
- 1st Half45-32Corey Thomas makes 9-foot turnaround jump shot (Jaquan Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half47-32Tristan Smith makes 6-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half47-34Ahmet Jonovic makes 1-foot dunk (Corey Thomas assists)
- 2nd Half48-34Tristan Smith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half49-34Tristan Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-35Ahmet Jonovic makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half49-36Ahmet Jonovic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-38AJ Smith makes driving layup
- 2nd Half49-39Timoty van der Knaap makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half49-40Timoty van der Knaap makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-42Timoty van der Knaap makes 0-foot tip in dunk
- 2nd Half51-42Will Hornseth makes layup (Trey Campbell assists)
- 2nd Half51-45Corey Thomas makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jaquan Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half53-45Tristan Smith makes layup
- 2nd Half55-45Ben Schwieger makes 9-foot jumper (Tristan Smith assists)
- 2nd Half55-48Alex Huibregtse makes 23-foot three point jumper (Montana Wheeler assists)
- 2nd Half55-50Demarion Burch makes 7-foot jumper
- 2nd Half57-50Trey Campbell makes driving layup
- 2nd Half60-50Max Weisbrod makes 27-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half60-53Alex Huibregtse makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jaquan Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half63-53Leon Bond III makes 23-foot three point jumper (Ben Schwieger assists)
- 2nd Half64-53Trey Campbell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-54Timoty van der Knaap makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-55Timoty van der Knaap makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-56Corey Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-57Jaquan Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-58Jaquan Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-58RJ Taylor makes 24-foot three point jumper (Leon Bond III assists)
- 2nd Half67-59Ahmet Jonovic makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-61Ahmet Jonovic makes layup (Jaquan Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half67-62Ahmet Jonovic makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half69-62Ben Schwieger makes driving layup
- 2nd Half69-64Jaquan Johnson makes layup (AJ Smith assists)
- 2nd Half70-64Leon Bond III makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-64Leon Bond III makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-64Trey Campbell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-66Jaquan Johnson makes layup
- 2nd Half72-69Montana Wheeler makes 25-foot three point jumper (Ahmet Jonovic assists)
- 2nd Half73-69Leon Bond III makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Bradley Braves, below favours Northern Iowa Panthers.
Venue
- Enterprise CenterSt. Louis, MO
- Attendance7444
- OfficialsRandy Heimerman, Kipp Kissinger, Marques Pettigrew
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