Game time: 12 PM CT
Location: Sapp Fieldhouse, Omaha, NE
Watch: Live Stream
HuskerGeek Rankings:
Omaha: 312
Bradley: 121
Scouting Omaha
Omaha comes into the game with a 5-4 record, with most wins coming over the bottom of the Division 1 pool. Their defense, and ability to slow the game down, look to be their strong suits.
Omaha ranks 42nd nationally allowing just 55.8 PPG. Conversely, they rank 264th nationally averaging just 59.9 PPG themselves. Omaha is led in scoring by junior guard Rayanna Carter (10.2 PPG), but look for sophomore guard Claire Killian to try to find as many open looks from long distance as possible. Killian is shooting a team-low 20% from beyond the arc, but is leading the team in attempts from long range.
Freshmen power duo Elena Pilakouta and Josie Filer lead the team in rebounding, but a total team effort in attacking the glass contributes to Omaha's +5.4 rebounding margin. Seven players on the roster average 2.9+ rebounds per game.
Omaha is a point-by-committee roster, with six players recording more than 10 assists so far this season, led by forward Elena Pilakouta's 22. Additionally, everyone is contributing in the paint, with four players recording 5+ blocks so far this season.
Look for Omaha to hope this game stays in the 50's in order to come out on top.
Scouting Bradley
Bradley enters today's game as one of 18 remaining unbeaten teams in NCAA Division 1. The Braves find their success at a much faster pace than Omaha, ranking 59th nationally at 75.6 PPG.
They are led by an impressive duo of freshman Lasha Petree (16.7 PPG) and sophomore Gabi Haack (16.4 PPG). The two account for 36 of Bradley's 42 made 3-pointers this season. The Braves will try to play up tempo and get Omaha's bigs either in foul trouble, or off the floor for a breather.
Bradley's strength of schedule has been weak so far, and Omaha is not exactly an exception.
How to Win
Omaha MUST slow the game down. They do not have the transition speed to keep up with Bradley. Extended possessions, offensive rebounds, and limiting the damage from long range will keep Omaha in this game. Second chance points are a must.
Bradley will win if they get to 65 points. Any pace will prevent Omaha's young players from getting settled into defense, creating open looks from long range as well as lanes to the basket. In two fewer games, Bradley has attempted 27 more free throws, and is shooting significantly better from the field.
Prediction: Bradley 72-58
