The Bradley men's basketball team won its season opener on Friday night, earning a 70-55 victory over Illinois Springfield in front of 5,176 fans at Carver Arena. The Braves, who won their sixth season opener in the last seven years, also claimed victory in the first contest of the 2016 Gulf Coast Showcase.
A total of 11 players scored for the Braves in the winning effort with sophomore Dwayne Lautier-Ogunleye leading with way with 12 points. The sophomore connected on 4-of-5 shots from the field, including both of his 3-point attempts, while also adding a team-best five rebounds on the night.