CHICAGO (Interstat) — A surging Bradley team looks to continue its push near the top of the Missouri Valley Conference standings when it visits Illinois-Chicago on Thursday afternoon at UIC Pavilion. The Braves (19-9) have won seven of their last nine games, including a gritty 51-47 victory over Belmont on Sunday. They sit in stark contrast to the host Flames (13-14), who have struggled for consistency but are coming off an impressive 69-61 road win at Drake. The matchup features two of the league’s top performers. Bradley is led by standout Kaylen Nelson, who is averaging 17.6 points over her last eight games. She erupted for 30 points against Indiana State on Feb. 7 and recorded a 24-point, 11-rebound double-double at Evansville on Feb. 13. Her 19-point, 8-rebound effort was crucial in the recent win over Belmont. Illinois-Chicago counters with Julia Coleman, who is coming off a 23-point, 8-rebound performance in the upset of Drake. Coleman has scored in double figures in seven consecutive games, including a 20-point, 11-rebound outing against Valparaiso on Jan. 31. Bradley won the season’s first meeting, 73-63, at home on Jan. 25. The Braves’ defense has been a hallmark, holding opponents under 55 points in three of their last five wins. For the Flames, securing a winning season will require navigating a tough final stretch, making a home victory against a top-tier conference opponent imperative. Bradley, meanwhile, aims to solidify its postseason positioning with a key road result. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST Thursday. Illinois-Chicago travels to Northern Iowa on Saturday, while Bradley’s next game is at home against Evansville on March 5.