Preview: Struggling Valparaiso Seeks First Win Against Bradley in MVC Rematch PEORIA, Ill. (Interstat) — The Bradley Braves look to continue their winning ways and solidify their position in the Missouri Valley Conference standings when they host the still-winless Valparaiso Beacons in a women’s basketball rematch Friday night at Carver Arena. The matchup presents a stark contrast in trajectories. Bradley (11-7, 3-3 MVC) enters with a winning record and momentum from a strong stretch of conference play, despite a narrow 73-70 loss at Northern Iowa last Sunday. Valparaiso (0-19, 0-6) remains one of the few teams in Division I without a victory this season, mired in a 19-game skid. The Braves dominated the first meeting this season, routing the Beacons 80-44 on Jan. 8 in Valparaiso. Bradley’s Kaylen Nelson was efficient in that contest, scoring 18 points in just 18 minutes. Nelson has been a consistent force, coming off a 23-point, 6-rebound performance in the loss to Northern Iowa. For Valparaiso, the search for a bright spot continues. Sophomore guard Milana Nenadic has shown flashes of high-level scoring, erupting for a career-high 34 points in a loss at Illinois State on Jan. 15 and adding 18 points and 5 rebounds in a closer 66-56 loss to Drake last time out. Her production will be crucial if the Beacons are to keep pace. Bradley’s offense, averaging over 70 points per game in MVC play, will test a Valparaiso defense that has allowed 80 or more points in nine games this season. Beyond Nelson, the Braves boast balance, with Maya Foz (16 points vs. UNI) and Ellie McDermid (13 rebounds vs. UNI) providing key contributions. History heavily favors the home team. The Braves have won six straight in the series, and Valparaiso’s last win came in 2021. The Beacons’ road woes are pronounced, with all 19 losses this season coming by double digits except for the recent 10-point defeat to Drake. For Bradley, this game represents a necessary step to maintain conference standing before a quick turnaround against Illinois-Chicago on Sunday. For Valparaiso, it is another daunting challenge in a season defined by them, as the Beacons desperately seek to avoid an 0-20 start. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST Friday.