Preview: Drake Bulldogs at Bradley Braves PEORIA, Ill. (Interstat) — Two Missouri Valley Conference teams looking to steady their conference footing will meet Wednesday afternoon when the Drake Bulldogs visit the Bradley Braves at Carver Arena. The Braves (10-6, 1-2 MVC) host the Bulldogs (8-7, 1-2 MVC) in a league matchup where both sides are coming off losses in their most recent outings. Bradley fell 86-66 at Murray State on Sunday, while Drake narrowly edged Indiana State 74-72 at home the same day. Bradley holds the superior overall record and has been strong at home this season, boasting notable non-conference victories over Princeton and Washington State in Peoria. However, the Braves have dropped two straight, including an 88-78 loss at Belmont on Jan. 1. Forward Ahmet Jonovic will be a key factor for the Braves. The 6-foot-10 junior is coming off a 13-point, 6-rebound performance against Murray State and has been a consistent defensive presence, recording at least one block in five consecutive games. Drake arrives after snapping a three-game skid with its win over Indiana State. The Bulldogs have struggled on the road, posting a 1-4 record in true away games. They will lean on forward Andrew Alia, who is averaging 9.2 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. Alia nearly posted a double-double in the win over the Sycamores, logging 10 points and nine rebounds in 37 minutes. Guard Jalen Quinn led all scorers in that game with 18 points. The Bulldogs’ offense, which averages 75.9 points per game, will test a Bradley defense that allows just 68.8 points on average. Drake’s defense, however, has been vulnerable, conceding 99 points in a loss to North Dakota State and 81 at Murray State in recent weeks. This contest is the first of two regular-season meetings between the teams. They will meet again in Des Moines on Jan. 31. For now, both seek a critical conference win to climb above .500 in MVC play. Bradley will aim to protect its home court, while Drake looks to prove it can win away from home against a top-tier Valley opponent. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST Wednesday at Carver Arena.