The Bearcats were defeated on the road Monday by Benedictine College, 78-60. McKendree is now 0-2 on the season, marking the first time since the 1984-85 season that the Bearcats have opened a season with consecutive losses.

      Junior forward Mike Strobbe (Ferguson, Mo./McCluer) (Ferguson, Mo./McCluer) led the way with 15 points and a game-high 13 rebounds, but McKendree could not overcome a nine-point halftime deficit. The Bearcats committed 25 turnovers in the contest while forcing 18 miscues by the Ravens.

      Senior forward Aaron Bond (Kansas City, Mo./Paseo Academy) (Kansas City, Mo./Paseo Academy) and senior guard Brad Fischer (Breese, Ill./Breese Central) (Breese, Ill./Breese Central) each chipped in with eight points for McKendree, with Bond adding seven rebounds.

      Forward Andrew Poston led Benedictine (2-0) with 20 points and nine rebounds, while guard Andre Finner posted 14 points.

      McKendree will be home Friday and Saturday to host the McKendree Classic at the Melvin Price Convocation Center. The Bearcats will face Olivet Nazarene University Friday at 7 p.m. before taking on Cumberland University Saturday at 7 p.m.

-McK-