(LEBANON, Ill., Nov. 11)—Three different McKendree College players scored at least 20 points as the Bearcats defeated Union University Saturday at home in the final game of the McKendree Classic, 91-88.

 

Senior forward Mark Stovall (St. Louis, Mo./Jennings) (St. Louis, Mo./Jennings) led a balanced attack with 24 points as the Bearcats upset the No. 5 team in the NAIA Division I pre-season poll. McKendree improves to 3-1 on the year and will return to action Tuesday with a non-conference game at Park University. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. in Parkville, Mo.

 

Sophomore forward Nick Livas (Cary, Ill./Prairie Ridge) (Cary, Ill./Prairie Ridge) collected 19 of his 22 points in the second half, including a three-pointer with 1:42 remaining that gave McKendree an 88-86 lead. The Bulldogs’ Ben Frederick hit a layup to quickly tie the contest at 88-88. On the Bearcats’ next possession, sophomore guard Eric Palm (Machesney Park, Ill./Harlem) (Machesney Park, Ill./Harlem) hit a runner in the lane to push McKendree back in front with 55 seconds on the clock.

 

After Union (2-1) misfired on its next trip down the floor, Stovall was fouled and made one of two free throws to give the Bearcats a 91-88 lead. McKendree then withstood a trio of three-point attempts by the Bulldogs that would have tied the game in the closing seconds.

 

Palm connected for 20 points, including 12 in the first half. Senior forward Mike Strobbe (Ferguson, Mo./McCluer) (Ferguson, Mo./McCluer) grabbed a team-high 12 rebounds.

 

Tony Brown paced Union with 18 points, while Frederick and Pierry Valmera each chipped in with 15 points. Dewayne Lee pulled down a game-high 13 rebounds.