MAYAGUEZ, Puerto Rico – McKendree University women's basketball improved to 9-2 overall with a 76-56 win over the University of Puerto Rico-Bayamón on Thursday evening. The Bearcats are back in action Friday afternoon against the University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez to finish up their Carribean outing.  

Bayamón was off to a fiery start in the first half as the Cowgirls showed off their fast-paced play; McKendree held just a one-point advantage over Bayamón at the end of quarter one, 19-18. The Bearcats hit an 11-0 run late in the second quarter, though the Cowgirls would respond just before halftime to close the gap to six, 36-30.  

The third quarter created the gap that would hold consistent for the remainder of the game as McKendree had a 20-point quarter while Bayamón was held to single digits. In quarter four, the Bearcats saw their largest lead at 23 points and sealed the victory with a final score of 76-56.  

Overall, the Bearcats were just below 50 percent shooting from the field while Bayamón finish the contest with a 34-percent field goal percentage.  

Two Bearcats were in double-figure scoring including senior forward Naomi McDaniel with 15 and senior guard Christy Fortune with 14. Scoring was spread out for McKendree with four more players netting seven or more points: junior guard Clare Breden (9), sophomore guard Georgia Duncan (8), freshman forward Baylie Parks (8), and senior guard Maclayne Taylor (7). Fortune led on the boards, grabbing eight while Taylor dished a team-high five assists.  

McKendree looks for its ninth consecutive win in its contest against the University of Puerto-Rico on Friday, Dec. 15 at 4 p.m. CT. In-game updates will be available via the @McKBearcats X account (formerly Twitter).