Bradley 63, Wichita St. 54

1/26/2008 9:27 PM

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) -Jeremy Crouch scored 16 points to lead Bradley to a 63-54 victory over Wichita State Saturday night.

After building a 42-21 lead at halftime, the Braves cruised to their third straight win.

Bradley (11-10, 4-5 Missouri Valley) also got 12 points from Sam Maniscalco and 10 from Andrew Warren.

Wichita State (8-12, 1-8) was led by P.J. Couisnard's 13 points. That included a 3-pointer with 6:29 remaining that pulled the Shockers within 54-46 - as close as the Shockers had been since midway through the first half.

But with the Braves going into a stall offense and hitting free throws, the Shockers didn't make another field goal until only 45 seconds were left.

Both teams were short-handed. Wichita State was playing its eighth game without senior point guard Matt Braeuer, who is recovering from a concussion, and was also without Mantas Griskenas, who tore ligaments in his right knee Wednesday against Northern Iowa. The Shockers are down to eight scholarship players.

Bradley was without starter Theron Wilson and reserve Tyrone Cole-Scott. After being cited for illegal consumption by a minor earlier this week, both were suspended for Saturday's game.