In the first round of the 2026 NIT, the Bradley Braves were defeated by the Dayton Flyers, 80-66. Dayton established a strong lead in the first half, going into halftime with a 17-point advantage. Despite a more energetic second half from Bradley, they were unable to close the gap as Dayton maintained their lead with effective scoring and solid defensive play. The loss leaves Bradley with a 21-13 record, while Dayton improves to 24-11.

By the Numbers
  • Dayton shot 52% from the field and 50% from three-point range.
  • Javon Bennett scored 25 points, leading all scorers in the game.
Yes, But

While Bradley made a strong second-half push, it was consistently thwarted by Dayton's offensive efficiency and defensive pressure, highlighting the disparity in performance levels, particularly in the crucial first half.

State of Play
  • Bradley struggled with turnovers and fell behind early, making it difficult to mount a comeback.
  • Dayton's balanced scoring and strong rebounding proved essential in maintaining their lead throughout the game.
What's Next

Bradley will look to regroup after this loss, focusing on areas of improvement such as ball security and defensive consistency as they transition into the offseason.

Bottom Line

The game served as a stark reminder for Bradley of the need for early-game execution and discipline to compete effectively in postseason play, as they reflect on their performance and prepare for future challenges.