New era: Bradley women's basketball drops 2026-27 opener at Wisconsin in coach's debut

MADISON, Wis. — The Bradley Braves women’s basketball team launched a new era under debuting head coach Chaia Meier on Tuesday.The Braves lost their 2026-27 season opener, 71-65, against Big Ten program Wisconsin before 2,541 at Kohl Center.It was a competitive effort for BU, which got 3-pointers down the deep stretch in the fourth quarter from Lila Posthuma and Inia Jones to trim a deficit to two.The Braves then tied it, 65-65, with 52 seconds left on a steal by Alice Veilleaux that set up Ellie McDermid for a layup.Bradley didn’t score again, and Wisconsin escaped with a six-point run.“We knew if played our game, we could make this a close one," Meier said. "It just came down to them making a really great shot.“We need that same energy Friday night.”Bravely SpeakingBU guard Inia Jones was 3 of 7 from 3-point range and had a team-high 13 points. … Bradley guard Mya Wardle was 3 of 8 from 3-point range, had 7 rebounds and dished a game-high 8 assists. … BU 6-foot-1 forward Ellie McDermid delivered a double-double on 12 points and a game-high 10 rebounds. … Wisconsin got a game-high 17 points from Teagan Mallegni. … Next up for the Braves is their home opener, when they host Northern Illinois University in a 6 p.m. game Friday, Nov. 6, at Renaissance Coliseum.This article originally appeared on Journal Star: New era: Bradley women's basketball drops 2026-27 opener at Wisconsin in coach's debut