Bradley Braves

The Bradley Braves bring Peoria a basketball program with one of the deepest national tournament traditions in the Missouri Valley Conference, playing home games at Carver Arena. Red and white basketball dates back to the early 1900s and includes two runs to the NCAA championship game. Bradley's identity has long been tied to its dominance in the National Invitation Tournament, where the Braves rank among the winningest programs ever. The Braves remain a founding pillar of the Missouri Valley Conference. Peoria's basketball scene has always centered on Bradley.

Bradley basketball began in 1902-03 and joined the Missouri Valley Conference in 1948. The Braves reached the NCAA championship game twice, losing to CCNY in 1950 and La Salle in 1954. Bradley found its greatest sustained success in the National Invitation Tournament, winning four NIT titles in 1957, 1960, 1964, and 1982, trailing only St. John's in NIT championships. The Braves have made nine NCAA Tournament appearances overall across their long Missouri Valley Conference history.