(LEBANON, Ill., Feb. 13) – The McKendree University women's basketball team fell to Missouri-St. Louis in overtime, 79-73. The Bearcats are now 11-12 overall on the season and 4-11 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC).
McKendree struggled to find its footing in the first half finding itself down by 19 points at the half, 41-22 to the Tritons. The Bearcats then scored a game best 27 points in the third quarter alone while only allowing UMSL eight points. In the third quarter, McKendree shot 52.63 percent from field goal range, 57.14 percent from the three-point line, and remained perfect at the free throw line to get itself back in the game. Each team scored 11 points in the fourth quarter to tie the game up 60-60 at the end of regulation.
Unfortunately foul trouble became an issue for McKendree in overtime with three Bearcats fouling out in the extra time. Out of the Tritons 19 points in overtime, 13 were collected off of free throws, which helped push them to a 79-73 victory over the Bearcats.
Junior guard
Madison Jones (Abingdon, IL/Abiingdon-Avon) was an influential player for McKendree recorded a new career high 13 points to lead the offense. Jones also collected five rebounds, one assist, one block, and one steal for the Bearcats.
Senior guard
Jordan Heberg (Romeoville, IL/Plainfield North) and senior forward
Megan Jensen (Union, MO/Saint Francis Borgia Regional) were also put out strong performances for McKendree. Heberg led the offensive effort with Jones with 13 points on the night, and tallied four rebounds for the defensive efforts. Jensen led the team in rebounding with eight on the night, seven of which were offensive rebounds.
Second chance opportunities were helpful in making McKendree competitive in the night. The Bearcats scored 19 of their 73 points off of second chances while only allowing the Tritons to tally 11. McKendree's bench was also a big factor in the game recording 35 points for the Bearcats compared to just 12 that UMSL's bench put up.
The Bearcats will resume GLVC competition with a home game on Saturday, February 15 against Lindenwood. Tip-off is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
