(OMAHA, Neb., Nov. 1)—The McKendree University men's basketball team dropped a 95-63 decision at NCAA Division I Creighton University Friday evening in the Bearcats' lone pre-season exhibition contest of the 2019-20 season.
 
After leading 43-31 at the half, the host Bluejays shot 55.9 percent (19-of-34) in the second period to pull away for the win. McKendree will have a week off before kicking off its 2019-20 regular season by hosting the GLVC/GLIAC Crossover Challenge at the Harry M. Statham Sports Center. The Bearcats will tip off the year on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m. against Michigan Tech before wrapping up the weekend a day later against Northern Michigan University at 3 p.m.
 
Several of McKendree's new additions led the way offensive against Creighton. Sophomore forward Luke Hensler (Okawville, IL/Okawville) topped the list with 13 points, including a trio of three-pointers. Sophomore forward Aleksa Popovic (Belgrade, Serbia/BC Partizan Belgrade) added 10 points, while junior guard Oliver Stephen (Edwardsville, IL/Edwardsville) chipped in with nine points, five rebounds and a pair of assists. Senior guard Logan Kohrmann (Bartelso, IL/Breese Central) – one of two returning starters in the Bearcats' lineup – added seven points and three rebounds for McKendree.
 
Creighton opened an early lead before McKendree rallied within 10-9 with 14:24 left in the first half following a three-pointer by Hensler. The Bluejays then ripped off six straight points and eventually pushed the margin to 22-13 before the Bearcats made another run. A lay-up from freshman guard Jakobie Robinson (Indianapolis, IN/Warren Central) and two free throws from freshman guard Bryson Bultman (Nashville, IL/Nashville) helped McKendree trim the deficit to 22-17 midway through the period. Creighton was able to regain its footing and stretched the lead to as many as 14 points before a lay-up from Popovic on McKendree's final shot of the first half helped the Bearcats rally within 43-31 at the intermission.
 
At the outset of the second half, Creighton scored 11 of the first 15 points to extend its lead to 54-35 with 16:26 to play. The Bluejays slowly increased the margin down the stretch to collect the win.
 
Christian Bishop led four Creighton players scoring in double figures with 21 points. Ty-Shon Alexander contributed 17 points and six rebounds while Mitch Ballock added 14 points. Kelvin Jones had a double-double in a reserve role for Creighton with 12 points and a game-high 12 rebounds.

McKendree will have one more exhibition game later this season on Dec. 17 at Austin Peay State University.