(CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Dec.14) – The McKendree men's basketball team led in rebounds and blocks against Austin Peay State Monday night, but lost the contest 68-82.

Chris Foster's team struggled early, allowing three turnovers in the first four minutes of play, letting the Governors of Austin Peay take an early lead. They would close the gap to one bucket after a three-point jumper from Oliver Stephen (Edwardsville, IL/Edwardsville), before the first timeout. It was after that, where the Bearcats were able to capitalize on the Governors' turnovers and even out the score at 15 with 11:45 left in the first half. The Bearcats cut their deficit down to a one-possession game with 1:03 left in the first half, before sending their opponent to the free throw line for the first time. McKendree came out aggressive in the second half, driving to the net but the shots were not dropping. The Bearcats controlled their end, not getting too out of control or letting the Governors go on long scoring runs. McKendree led 3-to-1 in blocked shots and six rebounds in the contest. As a team, they shot 45.5 percent from the paint, 29.6 percent from the arc, and 71.4 percent from the free throw line.

Three Bearcats scored in double-digits from the 14 players that saw playing time. Bryson Bultman (Nashville, IL/Nashville) led the way for the team with 14 points. Carson Parker (Nashville, IL/Nashville) added 11 points and eight rebounds, while Luke Hensler (Okawville, IL/Okawville) tallied 10 points.

Austin Peay had two three-pointers in the first three minutes of the game and first to make it to double digits. The Governors were able to keep their lead with good looks from the three-point line, shooting at 60.0 percent. Their offense would struggle when rebounding, and slowly seeing McKendree chip away at their lead. The Governors led by as many as eight and for as long as nine minutes in the first half. They entered halftime with 13 turnovers, limiting McKendree to 41.0 percent shooting, holding onto a 40-35 lead. The Governors could not break McKendree of their scrappy play, getting double-digit leads and right away seeing it diminish. Austin Peay's biggest lead of the night came at 15 in the final two minutes of the game.

Terry Taylor scored 31 of the Governor's 82 points, was perfect from the free throw line, and 12-for-19 in field goals. Following the senior was Tai'Reon Joseph, who scored 20 points, going 8-for-11 in shots. Reginald Gee was the final Governor to score double-digits, recording 13 points.

The Bearcats will head to Romeoville, Ill., for a weekend matchup against the Flyers of Lewis University. They are scheduled for tip-off at 5:15 PM on Friday, Dec. 18, and 3:30 PM on Saturday, Dec. 19 in the Neil Carey Arena.