CEDAR FALLS, Iowa (Interstat) — A key Missouri Valley Conference rematch is set for Friday afternoon when the Bradley Braves visit the Northern Iowa Panthers at McLeod Center. The Braves (16-8) look to complete a regular-season sweep after defeating the Panthers 75-69 in Peoria on Jan. 10. Northern Iowa (14-9) seeks to defend its home court and level the series. Bradley enters with momentum from a 72-65 home win over Valparaiso on Tuesday, its third victory in the last four games. Guard Montana Wheeler led the way with 18 points and has been a consistent catalyst, averaging 10.9 points over his last seven contests. His backcourt play will be central against Northern Iowa’s pressure. The Panthers responded from a three-game skid with a dominant 71-55 win over Evansville on Jan. 31. Forward Will Hornseth erupted for a season-high 21 points in that victory, showcasing his scoring potential. His matchup inside will be pivotal against Bradley’s frontcourt. Northern Iowa’s recent offensive struggles, including a 50-point outing in a loss at Southern Illinois, highlight the importance of Hornseth and guard Trey Campbell, who notched a triple-double (12 points, 10 assists, 4 rebounds) against Evansville. The Panthers must improve on their 44 and 54-point offensive performances in recent road losses. Bradley’s conference campaign has been marked by volatility, featuring both an 88-62 road loss to Illinois State and a 94-90 overtime win at Evansville. Consistency, particularly away from home, remains their quest. The Braves hold a slight edge in the standings, but the McLeod Center has long been a tough venue for visitors. With both teams jockeying for conference tournament positioning, this matchup carries significant weight for February momentum. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. EST Friday.