(From Bradley University) - Bradley turned in its best defensive effort since the 1992-93 season and committed a season-low 16 turnovers to hand league-leading Creighton 63-57 at D.J. Sokol Arena Friday. Senior Jenny Van Kirk scored a season-high 18 points to help lead the Braves to their fourth consecutive win as Bradley improved to 8-8 overall and 4-2 in the MVC. Creighton (10-6 overall, 5-2 MVC) entered the game tied with Illinois State for the best record in the MVC. Bradley moved into a tie for third place in the standings with the victory.
Bradley stymied Creighton's offense, limiting the Bluejays to 22.7 percent shooting. The 22.7 field goal percentage is the lowest for a BU opponent since Texas Southern shot 20.6 percent on Dec. 5, 1992. Creighton entered the game averaging a Missouri Valley Conference-best eight three-pointers per game, but made just 3-of-23 from beyond the arc Friday.
Van Kirk was 6-for-9 from the field and finished with a game and season-high 18 points to go along with six rebounds. Raisa Taylor added 11 points, while Sonya Harris and Latasha Hollingshed each came off the bench to score eight. The Braves shot 51.2 percent from the field and outscored Creighton 32-14 in the paint.
Creighton scored 34 of its 57 points from the foul line, including 21 of 32 second-half points. Four starters scored in double figures for the Bluejays, led by Sam Schuett's 13 points and nine rebounds.
Bradley returns to action Sunday when the Braves face Drake in Des Moines, Iowa. Sunday's game will be broadcast at 1:45 p.m. on 1290 WIRL.
