(COLUMBIA, Mo., Nov. 6)—The McKendree University women's basketball team wrapped up its 2017-18 exhibition schedule with a 80-30 loss Monday night at the University of Missouri.
 
The host Tigers shot 63.2 percent from the field in the first quarter (12-of-19) and never looked back in cruising to victory in its final pre-season game. McKendree will open its regular-season slate on Saturday at home against Blackburn College. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. at the Harry M. Statham Sports Center.
 
Sophomore forward Megan Jensen led a balanced attack for McKendree with six points, while freshman guard Callie Pohlman and sophomore guard Jordan Heberg each connected for five points. Senior guard Abby Smith (Romeoville, Ill./Romeoville) pulled down a team-leading seven rebounds for the Bearcats as junior guard Jordan Morton dished out three assists.
 
McKendree grabbed its only lead of the contest at 3-2 thanks to a three-pointer from Heberg with 9:09 left in the opening period. Missouri answered by scoring the next seven points to take a 9-3 advantage. Later in the quarter, the Tigers ripped off 15 consecutive points to stretch its advantage to 24-5. A jumper by sophomore forward Shayli Florine at the 2:35 mark of the period broke the Bearcats' scoring drought before Missouri scored the final seven points of the quarter to take its 31-7 advantage at the end of the period.
 
Over the next two quarters, McKendree stepped up defensively and limited Missouri to just 34.5 percent shooting (10-of-29). But the Tigers maintained their lead and were able to hold off the Bearcats to register their second win in as many pre-season games. Sophie Cunningham paced the Tigers with 13 points and seven rebounds, while Jordan Frericks added nine points, seven rebounds and a game-high four steals for Mizzou.