LEBANON, Ill. – Back at home for a non-conference matchup against the newest member of Division II in Thomas More University, a member of the Great Midwest Athletic Conference, McKendree secured the in-region win by the score of 80-71.

Senior guard Aleksandar Davitkov matched his career-high in points with 18 on 7-of-13 from the field. He was also 4-of-7 from beyond the arc, which also tied a career-high for three-pointers made. Fellow Serbian Milos Vicentic posted 18 points as well on 7-of-13 shooting. Caleb Zurliene filled the stat sheet with 15 points, 5 blocks, and four rebounds. He went a perfect 7-of-7 from the charity stripe. The forward from Aviston, Illinois surpassed 100 blocks as a Bearcat with his second block of the first half. Carson Parker was the fourth Bearcat in double figures with 11 points and six rebounds.

For the seventh time in nine games, McKendree shot over 50% from the field as they went 27-of-50 for 54%. They were a perfect 18-of-18 from the free throw line. The last time a McKendree team was perfect from the line was back on January 29, 2022 when they went 7-for-7. For the game, the Bearcats on the Points in the Paint battle at 36-26 and the Points off Turnovers at 14-2.

The Bearcats will host one more game before the holiday break with the Grand Valley State Lakers (4-4, 1-1 GLIAC) come to the Melvin Price Convocation Center. McKendree and GVSU will tip off at 3:00 p.m.