(LEBANON, Ill., Feb. 20)—The McKendree College women’s basketball posted an 85-82 victory Tuesday at home against Missouri Baptist University.

 

The Bearcats grabbed 57 rebounds in the contest, including 33 on the offensive end, in notching their seventh consecutive win. In fact, McKendree had more offensive rebounds (33) than Missouri Baptist had for the entire contest (32).

 

McKendree is now 19-9 on the year, and pulled a half-game in front of Columbia College for the top spot in the American Midwest Conference standings at 10-3. The Bearcats will be at Brescia University Thursday at 7 p.m. for a non-conference game before wrapping up the 2006-07 regular season Saturday at Hannibal-LaGrange College.

 

Senior forward Emily Hart (Columbia, Ill./Columbia) (Columbia, Ill./Columbia) led the way with 17 points and a game-high 11 rebounds as the Bearcats won on Senior Night. Hart was one of three seniors honored in a pre-game ceremony. Senior guard Katie Hasheider (Okawville, Ill./Okawville) (Okawville, Ill./Okawville) finished with eight points and nine rebounds, while senior guard Ayanna Porter (St. Louis, Mo./Incarnate Word) (St. Louis, Mo./Incarnate Word) chipped in with seven points and five rebounds.

 

Against Missouri Baptist, McKendree led by as many as 18 points in the second half. A lay-up and free throw by sophomore forward Emily Best (Wood River, Ill./East Alton-Wood River) (Wood River, Ill./East Alton-Wood River) with 10:37 to play gave the Bearcats a 65-47advantage. The Spartans chipped away at the deficit as Stephanie Neely scored every point in a 13-5 run that brought Missouri Baptist within 80-74 with 1:10 remaining.

 

With the Bearcats holding an 84-80 lead, Porter hit one of two free throws with 15 seconds left to extend the lead to five. Missouri Baptist scored on a lay-up in the final second to account for the final margin.

 

Junior forward Heather Elders (Energy, Ill./Herrin) (Energy, Ill./Herrin) came off the bench to add 15 points and six rebounds for McKendree, while Best added 12 points and six rebounds in a reserve role. Junior forward Suzy Gerler (Florissant, Mo./Hazelwood Central) (Florissant, Mo./Hazelwood Central) connected for 10 points and eight rebounds for the Bearcats.

 

Neely poured in a game-high 22 points to lead Missouri Baptist, which dropped to 14-14 overall and 4-9 in AMC play. Nikki Thompson contributed 16 points and four assists for the Spartans.