(McKENZIE, Tenn., Nov. 20)—The McKendree University men's basketball team nearly overcame a 23-point first-half deficit but came up short in a 64-60 loss Saturday to Lindenwood University-Belleville in the final day of the Bethel University Classic Saturday in McKenzie, Tenn.

The loss gives the Bearcats a 3-5 overall record heading into a six-day layoff. McKendree will return to action next weekend at the Union University Thanksgiving Classic in Jackson, Tenn. The Bearcats will face host Union on Friday at 7 p.m. before taking on Freed-Hardeman University Saturday at 2 p.m.

Against Lindenwood-Belleville, the Bearcats trailed 33-10 in the first half thanks to a torrid start by the Lynx. They made 14 of their first 20 field goal attempts in taking the 23-point advantage. McKendree cut the deficit to 41-25 at the half, then used a 28-12 run to open the second half and pull even at 53-53. However, the Bearcats never grabbed the lead as Lindenwood-Belleville was able to hold on down the stretch to record the win.

Senior forward Brad Copelin (O'Fallon, Ill./O'Fallon) (O'Fallon, Ill./O'Fallon) led the way for McKendree with 18 points, while junior forward Sean Rakers (New Baden, IL/Wesclin) (New Baden, Ill./Wesclin) chipped in with 16 points and a team-high 10 rebounds. Senior guard Andy Wolff (Centralia, Ill./Metro-East Lutheran) (Centralia, Ill./Metro-East Lutheran) posted nine points, seven assists and six rebounds in the effort for McKendree.