(LEBANON, Ill., Jan. 4) – The McKendree University men's basketball team defeated No. 25 Drury University 80-70 Saturday afternoon. The Bearcats are now 7-4 overall on the season and 2-1 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC).

With this win over No. 25 Drury, the Bearcats have now bested two nationally ranked teams this year. Earlier this season, McKendree opened up GLVC competition with a 68-64 win over Southern Indiana, who at the time sat in ninth place in the country.

Junior guard Oliver Stephen (Edwardsville, IL/Edwardsville) set the precedent for the game scoring a three point basket in the first minute of play to get the Bearcats on the board first. Stephen went on to shoot 6-12 from the three point line, scoring 18 of his 20 points on the day from behind the arch.

McKendree shot 63.33 percent at the field goal range and 60 percent from behind the three point line in the first half to propel itself to a 47-31 lead over the Panthers at halftime. Drury was more competitive in the second half but was never able to regain the lead or even come within four point of the Bearcats throughout the remainder of the game as McKendree went on to win 80-70.

Senior guard Logan Kohrmann (Bartelso, IL/Breese Central) was an impact player for the Bearcats recording 20 points on the day as well as five rebounds and two assists. Freshman guard Bryson Bultman (Nashville, IL/Nashville) and freshman forward Jakobie Robinson (Indianapolis, IN/Warren Central) were also essential in the Bearcats victory over the Planthers. Bultman earned eight rebounds, six assists, two steals, and one block for McKendree. Robinson tallied nine rebounds, four points, three assists, one block, and one steal on the day.

The Bearcats will close out their four game home stand with a game against No. 1 Bellarmine on Thursday, Jan. 9 and No. 11 Indianapolis on Saturday, Jan. 11. Tip-off for Jan. 9 is set for 7:30 p.m. while the game on Jan. 11 is scheduled for 3 p.m.