In the NIT, Bradley Will Face North Alabama: A Closer Look at the Matchup

The National Invitation Tournament (NIT) has long been a stage for teams that just missed the cut for the NCAA Tournament but are still hungry for postseason glory. It’s a tournament that often produces thrilling upsets, surprising performances, and unexpected stories. For the 2024 edition, one of the most anticipated matchups in the first round will feature the Bradley Braves against the North Alabama Lions. This game is set to take place on the neutral floor of the NIT, but its implications for both programs are immense, as they strive for postseason redemption and to continue building momentum into the next season.

This game pits two teams from different conferences but with similar stakes: both are looking to showcase their potential on a national stage and prove they belong among the nation’s elite. For Bradley, it’s an opportunity to continue building off a strong regular-season finish. For North Alabama, this matchup serves as a chance to gain respect and further elevate their program’s profile.

In this article, we will dive deep into the significance of this NIT matchup, explore the histories of both Bradley and North Alabama, break down the key players and strategies, and analyze what a win in this game could mean for each program moving forward.

The Bradley Braves: A Team Built on Defense and Grit

Bradley University, located in Peoria, Illinois, has a storied basketball program that has often been on the cusp of NCAA Tournament success. The Braves are members of the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC), one of the more competitive mid-major conferences in college basketball. While the Braves have regularly appeared in postseason play, they have not been a fixture in the NCAA Tournament in recent years. That said, their consistent ability to contend for conference titles and make postseason appearances speaks to the strength of their program.

In 2024, Bradley enjoyed a solid regular-season performance, finishing near the top of the MVC standings. The Braves’ success was largely built on a strong defense, as they ranked among the top teams in the nation in points allowed per game and field-goal defense. Bradley’s defense is a hallmark of head coach Brian Wardle’s approach, as he places a heavy emphasis on stopping opponents and limiting their scoring opportunities. This commitment to defensive intensity has been central to the Braves’ ability to compete with some of the stronger teams in the MVC and secure a place in the NIT.

Offensively, Bradley has leaned on a well-rounded scoring attack, with contributions coming from multiple players throughout the season. While the team is not known for explosive scoring, their balance on offense allows them to keep opponents on their toes and spread out their scoring threats. Bradley’s ability to play efficient basketball, limit turnovers, and capitalize on second-chance opportunities has made them a tough team to beat, even in games where they struggle offensively.

This NIT game against North Alabama represents an important opportunity for the Braves. While their NCAA Tournament hopes fell short, the NIT offers them a platform to showcase their skills and build confidence for next season. A deep run in the NIT would not only provide valuable postseason experience but also keep Bradley relevant in the national conversation.

The North Alabama Lions: A Rising Mid-Major Program

On the other side of the court, North Alabama enters this NIT matchup as a team that has made tremendous strides in recent years. The Lions, based in Florence, Alabama, are a member of the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN), which has become known for producing strong basketball teams that often challenge larger programs. North Alabama has been in a state of growth since transitioning from Division II to Division I in 2018, and their inclusion in the NIT for the first time marks a major milestone for the program.

Under head coach Tony Pujol, North Alabama has steadily improved, becoming one of the more competitive teams in the ASUN. The 2024 season was a breakthrough year for the Lions, as they finished near the top of their conference and earned an NIT berth. North Alabama’s success has been driven by a balanced roster that includes standout players in key positions.

The Lions are led by senior guard KJ Johnson, who has been the team’s top scorer and playmaker throughout the season. Johnson’s ability to score both inside and on the perimeter, as well as his leadership on the floor, has been essential to North Alabama’s success. Alongside Johnson, players like Jamari Blackmon and Jalen King have contributed significantly, providing scoring depth and defensive stability. North Alabama’s ability to spread the floor and play at a fast pace has made them a difficult team to defend, especially in transition.

For North Alabama, the NIT represents an important opportunity to continue establishing the program’s credibility. A strong showing in this tournament could help elevate North Alabama’s status on the national stage, attracting more attention to their growing basketball program. A victory over a well-established team like Bradley would be a significant achievement for the Lions, showing that they belong among the nation’s top mid-major programs.

Key Players to Watch in the Bradley vs. North Alabama Game

When these two teams meet in the NIT, the individual performances of several key players will be crucial in determining the outcome of the game. Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout players to watch on each team:

Bradley Braves:

• Rylan Bergersen (Guard): Bergersen is one of Bradley’s most dynamic players. A skilled guard with the ability to score both inside and from beyond the arc, he provides a spark for the Braves’ offense. He is also a solid defender, making him a crucial component of Bradley’s success on both ends of the court.
• Malevy Leons (Forward): Leons has been a standout for Bradley, particularly on defense and in rebounding. His ability to protect the rim and secure key rebounds makes him a key factor in the Braves’ efforts to control the pace of the game. Leons also provides an offensive presence in the post, which could be critical against North Alabama’s defense.
• Terry Roberts (Guard): A leader for Bradley in the backcourt, Roberts brings both playmaking and scoring ability to the table. His vision and ball-handling skills are vital in setting up Bradley’s offense, and his ability to get to the basket and create opportunities for teammates will be essential in this matchup.

North Alabama Lions:

• KJ Johnson (Guard): Johnson is the star player for North Alabama and one of the most talented guards in the ASUN. His scoring ability, combined with his playmaking skills, makes him a difficult player to defend. Johnson will need to be at his best to keep North Alabama competitive in this matchup, especially against Bradley’s tough defense.
• Jamari Blackmon (Guard): Blackmon provides scoring depth for the Lions, and his ability to shoot from long range is a key factor in spreading the floor. Blackmon’s shooting touch will be crucial in breaking down Bradley’s defense, and he could be the X-factor in this game.
• Jalen King (Forward): King’s versatility and defensive ability will be important for North Alabama. As a forward who can score inside and stretch the floor, King gives the Lions a balanced offensive threat. On defense, King will need to help contain Bradley’s scorers and contribute on the boards.

Tactical Breakdown: What to Expect from Both Teams

Bradley’s Defensive Dominance:

Bradley’s hallmark this season has been their defense, and this will be the key to their success in this matchup. The Braves will look to disrupt North Alabama’s offensive rhythm, particularly by slowing down KJ Johnson and limiting his ability to score in transition. Bradley’s defense is designed to force opponents into tough shots and capitalize on turnovers, so North Alabama will need to be disciplined with the basketball.

On the offensive end, Bradley will need to execute efficiently and avoid falling into an up-tempo game with the Lions. The Braves will likely focus on controlling the pace, working the ball inside, and relying on their big men to establish an inside presence. A methodical approach will help mitigate North Alabama’s speed and scoring potential.

North Alabama’s Offensive Firepower:

For North Alabama, the key to winning this game lies in their offensive efficiency. KJ Johnson will need to be aggressive and create opportunities for his teammates, particularly Jamari Blackmon and Jalen King. North Alabama’s ability to hit outside shots will be crucial in opening up the floor and pulling Bradley’s defense away from the basket.

In addition, North Alabama will need to push the tempo and make the game more chaotic. By running in transition and forcing Bradley to play at a faster pace, the Lions can exploit the Braves’ lack of depth and wear them down. The Lions’ ability to finish fast breaks and create open looks from the perimeter will be crucial to their success.

The Implications of This Game:

While this is an NIT matchup and not part of the NCAA Tournament, the stakes for both teams are significant. A win in this game will give either program a boost of confidence and provide valuable postseason experience. For Bradley, a victory would serve as a reminder that their defense-first mentality can take them far in any tournament, including March Madness. For North Alabama, beating a team like Bradley would signal that they are capable of competing at a higher level, potentially giving them momentum to build on as they prepare for future seasons.

Beyond the immediate implications for these teams, this game is important for the long-term development of both programs. A successful NIT run can attract recruits, build fan support, and help raise the profile of each team. For North Alabama, a strong showing could lead to more attention on the ASUN conference and their rising program, while for Bradley, it would further solidify their place among the top mid-major teams in the nation.