Preview: Bradley Braves at Southern Illinois Salukis CARBONDALE, Ill. (Interstat) — A surging Bradley women’s basketball team will look to continue its climb in the Missouri Valley Conference standings when it visits Southern Illinois on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026. The Braves (16-8) enter SIU Arena having won five of their last six games, including a decisive 85-75 road victory at Indiana State last Saturday. Southern Illinois (8-13) has shown recent life, securing back-to-back conference wins over Illinois-Chicago and Valparaiso. The matchup features two of the league’s most dynamic scorers. Bradley is powered by guard Kaylen Nelson, who is coming off a 30-point, 7-rebound performance against Indiana State. Over her last five games, Nelson is averaging 23.2 points, demonstrating her status as a premier offensive threat. She will be countered by Southern Illinois forward Indya Green, who posted a monstrous 29-point, 14-rebound double-double in the win at Valparaiso. Green has scored 19 or more points in three of her last five outings, providing a consistent interior presence for the Salukis. Bradley holds a significant edge in the season series, having defeated Southern Illinois 64-47 in Peoria on Dec. 18. The Braves’ defense in that game stifled the Salukis, holding them to 28.6% shooting from the field. The Braves’ recent success has been built on offensive efficiency, scoring 85 points in two of their last three wins. Southern Illinois will need to replicate its recent defensive effort after holding its last two opponents under 55 points per game. For Bradley, a win would solidify its position in the upper tier of the MVC. For Southern Illinois, protecting its home court against a top-half opponent is crucial for building momentum ahead of a difficult closing stretch to the regular season. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. CST at SIU Arena. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.