(JACKSON, Tenn., Nov. 24)—The McKendree College men’s basketball team was defeated by Union University Friday night at the Union Thanksgiving Classic in Jackson, Tenn., 89-82.

 

Five players scored in double figures for the host Bulldogs, who are ranked No. 5 in the NAIA Division I Men’s Basketball pre-season poll. McKendree, which had its two-game win streak stopped, falls to 5-3 on the year, while Union improves to 4-2. The Bulldogs were able to avenge a 91-88 loss at McKendree back on Nov. 11.

 

Senior guard Mark Stovall (St. Louis, Mo./Jennings) (St. Louis, Mo./Jennings) scored 13 of his team-high 24 points in the first half to lead the way for McKendree. Stovall poured in 11 of the Bearcats’ final 13 points of the first half, including a three-pointer with just over a minute left in the period, to give McKendree a 43-42 lead at the intermission.

 

Union scored the first seven points of the second half and never trailed again. The Bulldogs built the advantage to 77-64 before McKendree stormed back with nine straight points to cut the margin to 77-73 with 3:35 remaining. But the Bearcats could not come any closer as Union was able to hit key free throws down the stretch.

 

Senior forward Mike Strobbe (Ferguson, Mo./McCluer) (Ferguson, Mo./McCluer) and sophomore guard Eric Palm (Machesney Park, Ill./Harlem) (Machesney Park, Ill./Harlem) each connected for 21 points for McKendree. Strobbe also pulled down a team-high six rebounds.

 

Brian Lake knocked down 15 of his team-high 22 points for Union in the second half. Pierry Valmera chipped in with 19 points, while Tony Brown added 16 points and a game-high seven assists for the Bulldogs.