Coached by Dick Versace and led by the dynamic backcourt of Jim Les and Hersey Hawkins, the 1985-86 Braves enjoyed one of the best seasons in Bradley Basketball history. The Braves tied the program record for victories, finishing 32-3 overall, and remain the last unbeaten Missouri Valley Conference regular-season champion (16-0). The 16-0 season tied Indiana State for the league all-time best mark. The Braves also had 6' 8'' senior Mike Williams and 6' 8'' sophomore Donald Powell inside, and 6' 7'' sophomore Trevor Trimpe on the wing. Jerry Thomas, Len Bertolini, Anthony Manuel and Greg Jones provided great production off the bench. Point guard Jim Les was named the MVC Player of the Year and Hawkins was second in scoring.

Bradley enjoyed the longest winning streak in the nation during the 1985-86 season, a 29-game streak that began with a 58-56 win against defending national champion Villanova in the second round of the Rainbow Classic in Honolulu. After the streak ended with a 68-62 loss at Tulsa in the championship game of the MVC Tournament, Bradley earned an at-large invitation to the NCAA Tournament. Playing in the West Regional in Ogden, Utah, the Braves beat #20 UTEP, 83-65, for their first NCAA Tournament win since 1955 before falling to eventual national champion Louisville in the second round.