PEORIA, IL --- The Prairie Stars concluded their pre-season exhibition games as they traveled to Peoria to take on Missouri Valley Conference opponent Bradley University. Though an exhibition for the Prairie Stars, this game signified the beginning of the regular season for Bradley, as they took down UIS 70-55 at Carver Arena.

Vince Walker led the UIS offense, totaling 14 points on 5-of-9 shooting, including hitting 2-of-6 from deep. Bahari Amaya got his shot going in the second half, ending the night with 13 points and grabbing ten rebounds, picking up his first double-double of his career. Ten different Prairie Stars scored on the evening but as a team, couldn't overcome a 9-of-30 first half that include an 0-for-7 mark from deep.

The Prairie Stars hung in early, trailing just 6-4 five minutes into the game. A jumper from Lijah Donnelly cut the deficit to one just two minutes later and then a pair of free throws from Logan Gonce gave the Prairie Stars their first lead with 12:13 remaining in the half. The Braves used a 6-0 run to take a 13-8 lead and would not relinquish the lead for the remainder of the game.

UIS hit just 3-of-18 from three but went to the free throw line 14 times, making 12. The Stars also outrebounded the Braves 43-33 but turned the ball over 24 times, resulting in 24 points for the home team.

UIS will officially open their season on Sunday as they travel to Findlay University for a 2 pm tip. UIS is 1-1 in season openers under Bill Walker.