PEORIA — A beauty contest, it was not.
Fifty-one fouls and 69 missed shots guaranteed that.
But for Bradley, in a 68-57 win Saturday over Southeast Missouri State at Carver Arena, this was one of those eye-of-the-beholder games.
What appeared unsightly on the outside was lovely on the inside.
“It’s a perfect example of telling your team your defense has to outlast your offense,” said BU coach Brian Wardle. “If you compete, defend and rebound, you can stay in games when the ball’s not falling for you.”
The Braves improved on those basic principles against a much better opponent than in their uneven opening victory Wednesday over Wisconsin-Parkside.