Bradley’s first full game of zone defense in memory worked out pretty well Saturday night. Even though it wasn’t exactly in the game plan.
The Braves, who thumped Drexel 76-60 before a BracketBusters crowd of 9,390 at Carver Arena, were playing without standout forward Taylor Brown, suspended because of unseemly tweets on his Twitter account.
Brown’s absence, along with the Dragons’ size and ineffective outside shooting attack, caused BU to remain in a 2-3 zone defense the entire game. Drexel shot just 34 percent from the field and only 6-for-24 (25 percent) from 3-point range.
“We adjusted the game plan a little on the fly (because of Brown) and they responded unbelievably,” BU coach Jim Les said. “They were so in tune to the rotations in the zone. When they’re that locked in, I’m not sure it matters what defense we play, you’re going to have success.”
Drexel coach James “Bruiser” Flint said his team’s offensive ineptitude was a big factor as well.
“We always have shooting troubles, didn’t you read the scouting report?” he said. “That’s why they played zone for 40 minutes. They knew what they were doing. They dared us to shoot.”
“After a slow start themselves, the Braves (14-13) found their range with a 9-point run to take a 22-15 lead, capped by a Dyricus Simms-Edwards 3-pointer at 5:36.
Drexel fought back to within 29-26 after consecutive treys by Chris Fouch, the injured guard listed as doubtful Friday who played 29 minutes and led the Dragons with 16 points.
But BU finished the half well on a 16-foot jumper by Andrew Warren and an impressive drive and reverse slam by Chris Roberts just before the buzzer.
“Coach told me just be aggressive and go to the hole,” Roberts said. “And that’s what I did.”
The Braves continued the offensive assault to begin the second half, using a 14-8 surge for a 13-point lead at 13:07, highlighted by a pair of Andrew Warren 3-pointers.
“They told us before the game that Brown wasn’t playing,” Flint said. “It was a tougher matchup for us with Warren at the 4. He made some big 3s. So Brown better watch out.”
Drexel (15-14) battled, totaling 11 of its 19 second-chance points after halftime, but couldn’t draw any closer than 59-52 on a Leon Spencer putback at 5:35.
Bradley spurted again, forging a 64-52 advantage at 3:31 on a Simms-Edwards jumper. The Braves then sank 10 in a row at the line, eight by Sam Maniscalco, to close.
“Their resolve before the game was to not to let (Brown’s suspension) be a distraction,” Les said. “Everybody stepped their game up and we got great contributions off the bench.”
Maniscalco led BU with 20 points followed by Warren’s 18.
Roberts posted a sensational all-around game, recording his first career double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds. He also had five assists, four steals, two blocks and 10 deflections.
Flint, whose team routinely plays before crowds of less than 2,000, wasn’t surprised at the environment.
“I know the Missouri Valley does it right with their crowds,” he said. “We played at Creighton (three years ago) and I watch them on TV. They’re famous for that. We told the kids it would be a good atmosphere.”
Braves briefs: Coach James Flint, who played at St. Joseph’s, spoke in the postgame about guarding Jim Les when the BU coach was trying out for the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1980s. “Jim was hurt and he used to come practice with us,” Flint said. “We guarded each other.” ... BU fans who have purchased all-session tickets to the Missouri Valley Conference tournament can pick them up at the Shea Stadium ticket office beginning Monday. ... Limited tickets are still available for purchase at $100 apiece for the annual Bradley Braves Club raffle. The drawing will be held following Wednesday night’s home finale against Wichita State. A top prize of $25,000 will be awarded among 23 cash prizes beginning at $200. ... Tickets are available for Wednesday’s final Braves Club gameday luncheon at the Michel Student Center on the BU campus. Wichita State coach Gregg Marshall will be the featured speaker.
Dave Reynolds can be reached at 686-3210 or dreynolds@pjstar.com.
