LEBANON, Ill. – The Bearcats finished off the opening weekend of GLVC play by hosting the William Jewell College Cardinals on Saturday, December 2, 2023. The Cardinals were able to take the lead with 12 minutes to go thanks to a 17-0 run to open the 2nd half, but McKendree was able finish strong a come away with the 68-51 victory.
Caleb Zurliene led the charge with his first double-double of the season with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Three other Bearcats posted double figures as well as Milos Vicentic eclipsed the 20-point mark for the fifth time in six games this season. Joey Niesman and Carson Parker were the other two Bearcats in double figures with 15 and 10 points apiece.
As a team, McKendree, who was leading Division II in field goal percentage, only missed 14 shots as they shot 67.4% (29-43) from the field. They also won the rebounding battle as they out boarded WJC 32 to 21.
The Cardinals came into the game averaging 81 points per game, the McKendree defense was able to hold them to a season-low 51 points.
McKendree will hit the road for the first time in GLVC play as they travel to University of Illinois-Springfield on Thursday, December 7th with tip-off scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
