(WESTVILLE, Ind., Nov. 10)—The McKendree University women's basketball team finished up its opening weekend of the 2018-19 season Saturday afternoon with a 76-74 loss to Tiffin University at the James B. Dworkin Tip-Off Classic hosted by Purdue Northwest University.
 
The Bearcats held a 14-point lead midway through the third quarter, but the Dragons came roaring back thanks in part to a 71.4 percent shooting performance (10-of-14) in the final period. McKendree earned a split of its games at Purdue Northwest and will bring its 1-1 record back to Lebanon for its home opener Wednesday against Upper Iowa University. Tip-off is slated for 6 p.m.
 
All five McKendree starters scored in double figures against Tiffin. Junior guard Jordan Heberg (Romeoville, IL/Plainfield North) led the way with 17 points, while junior forward Megan Jensen (Union, MO/Saint Francis Borgia Regional) added 14 points, six rebounds and five assists. Sophomore guard Sydney Diekhoff (Pekin, IL/Pekin Community) chipped in with 11 points and four assists as senior forward Jordan Morton (Olathe, Kan./Olathe South) and sophomore guard Callie Pohlman (Appleton, WI/Appleton North) each netted 10 points. Morton just missed a double-double as she pulled down a game-high nine rebounds, and Pohlman led all players with eight assists.
 
After taking a 15-14 lead after one quarter of play, McKendree was able to extend its advantage in the opening moments of the second period. The Bearcats reeled off 11 consecutive points to take a 26-18 advantage with 4:30 left until halftime. Heberg hit a pair of free throws to open the burst before Morton connected on two straight shots. Pohlman drilled a three-pointer before Heberg capped the run with a jumper.
 
Tiffin (1-1) battled back within four points before McKendree took a 33-26 lead into the locker room. The Bearcats then shot nearly 59 percent from the floor in the third quarter to extend their lead into double digits. Three different players scored during a 9-0 spurt to give McKendree a 48-34 cushion with 6:09 left in the period. The Bearcats led 57-50 heading into the fourth quarter when the Dragons made a run. Tiffin netted the first 11 points of the quarter to surge in front at 61-57 with 6:16 to play.
 
McKendree battled back in front, taking a 72-68 lead following two free throws from junior guard Madison Hart (Oak Creek, WI/Oak Creek) with 23 seconds on the clock. A basket and free throw on the ensuing possession helped Tiffin get within 72-71 just six seconds later. Diekhoff was fouled immediately and hit both free throws to stretch the Bearcats' lead back to 74-71. The Dragons tied the game on a three-pointer with 12 seconds left before the Bearcats missed a potential go-ahead shot attempt. Tiffin's Annie Santucci was fouled and made two free throws with two seconds on the clock to push the Dragons in front by a pair.
 
Diekhoff had one last look a three-pointer, but was off the mark as Tiffin claimed the win. Santucci connected for a game-high 25 points to lead the Dragons.