Bradley Downs Iowa State, 76-66

Saturday, December 16

Des Moines, Iowa

2:00 PM

Iowa State

7-4

Bradley

7-3

Team	1	2	F
Bradley	40	36	76
Iowa State	31	35	66

12.16.2006 | Men's Basketball

Box Score

By: Iowa State University

DES MOINES, Iowa?Bradley shot 50.9 percent from the field en route to a 76-66 victory over Iowa State Saturday afternoon in the Mediacom Cyclone Capital Classic in Des Moines. ISU's Wesley Johnson poured in a career-high 18 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to notch his fifth double-double of the season.

“I am not into moral victories, never have been," ISU head coach Greg McDermott said. "I was concerned about Bradley, they were different than anyone we have played against, given the number of three point shooters they can put on the floor at any given time.”

Bradley took control of the game early, mounting a 23-12 lead with 10:37 remaining in the opening period, as the Braves made 10-of-their-first-14 shots from the floor. ISU showed some toughness by answering with six-straight points to cut the lead to 23-18.

The Braves scorched the nets in the first half, hitting 63.0 percent of their shots from the floor (17-27 FG) while taking a 40-31 lead into the break. It marks the highest half percentage ISU has given up this season. Matt Salley was BU's top gun in the first half, scoring 13 points on 6-of-7 shooting from the field.

Bradley pushed the lead to as much as 14 points in the second half before the Cyclones stormed back to cut the lead to five points on a number of occasions. However, Bradley made its free-throws down the stretch to improve its record to 7-3. Will Franklin led all players with 26 points.

“I am never satisfied when we lose and usually never when we win from the defensive side of the floor," McDermott added. "When you get caught up in the heat of the battle it is easy to forget your defense. What I like about this team is that they do not quit. We have got to be perfect when we play. There is not much margin for error.”

Johnson and Rahshon Clark kept ISU close in the second half. Johnson scored 12 second half points en route to his career-high 18 points. It marks the ninth game this season where Johnson scored in double figures for ISU. Clark finished the game with 11 points, eight rebounds, two blocks and two steals. He moved past Jeff Grayer to No. 10 on ISU's all-time career blocks list with 62.

ISU travels to face No. 4 Ohio State on Tuesday. Tip is slated for 7 p.m. (CT).