March 14, 2007

Box Score

Box Score Vs. Bradley in PDF Format
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PEORIA, Ill. (AP) -Will Franklin scored 23 points, including six in overtime, and Bradley beat Providence 90-78 Wednesday night in the first round of the NIT.

J.J. Tauai had 17 points and 17 rebounds for his first double-double for Bradley (22-12), which outrebounded Providence 47-37. The Braves advanced to a second-round game at Mississippi State on Saturday.

Weyinmi Efejuku scored a career-high 28 points for the Friars (18-13), including a deep 3-pointer at the end of regulation to force overtime.

Bradley outscored Providence 16-4 in overtime, when the Friars (18-13) went 2-for-5 from the free throw line. Herbert Hill scored Providence's only basket in overtime. The senior finished with 19 points and 14 rebounds, but scored just seven points after halftime.

Bradley went 4-for-4 from the free throw line on its final possessions to take a 74-71 lead and seemingly take control before Weyinmi's 3 tied it.

The Friars committed 13 first-half turnovers, but manage to rally from a nine-point deficit to take a 40-38 halftime lead.

Bradley point guard Daniel Ruffin sank several clutch free throws on his way to 15 points, and Jeremy Crouch added 14 points.