One thing missing from Brian Wardle’s rebuild of the Bradley program from the ashes three years ago to a 20-win season last year was beating a bigger-conference opponent.
That big check mark came Tuesday night at the Cancun Challenge, launching the Braves into Wednesday’s championship game against Penn State.
The Braves defeated SMU going away 75-62, playing stellar defense, holding the board edge vs. a strong rebounding team and shooting 51 percent from the field.
While the Mustangs are without their best player, Jerrey Foster, this was a win for the Braves to cherish against an American Athletic Conference team just one season removed from 30 victories.