ST. LOUIS, Mo. - McKendree University women's basketball surged past Maryville University's 13-point lead to post an 11-point win over the Saints in the second-to-last Great Lakes Valley Conference matchup of the regular season. The Bearcats stand at 11-15 overall and 8-11 in the GLVC heading into their final game at the University of Missouri-St. Louis on Saturday.

The Saints took an early lead in the first quarter, climbing to as much as a nine-point lead, 19-10, with a minute left in the first period. Maryville held McKendree at arm's length, holding the lead at 33-28 by the end of the first half.

The Bearcats turned the game around in the third quarter, coming within three at 33-30, but then slipping as the Saints went on a 10-0 run. Maryville led 46-33 with six minutes left in the third quarter. In the next four minutes, the Bearcats closed the gap to one point, even leading by two with a score of 50-48 before tying it up at 52-all for the end of three periods.

McKendree pressed on in the fourth quarter, spreading out the scoring as seven Bearcats scored one basket or more in the final ten minutes. The Bearcats held the lead in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Saints 25-14 and securing their eighth conference win of the season.

McKendree was led by junior guard Maclayne Taylor, who, with her 21 points, surpassed 1,000 collegiate career points. The 5-foot-8 guard was 8-for-12 from the field, 1-for-2 from beyond the arc, and a perfect 4-for-4 from the free throw line. Taylor transferred to McKendree after three seasons (including a COVID-19 season) at Lincoln Land Community College. With the 21 points and 10 rebounds, Taylor recorded her first double-double of the season.

Also in double-digits for the game were junior forward Naomi McDaniel with 12 points and junior guard Madyson Harper with 10 points and a game-high seven assists.

As a team, McKendree outshot Maryville 46.7 percent to 44.6 percent from the field, 27.8 percent to 19 percent from the three-point linen, and 66.7 percent to 44.4 percent from the free throw line.

With the loss, the Saints move to 15-12 overall and 10-10 in the GLVC. Maryville was led offensively by senior forward Taylor Kirby with 17 points.

Coming up, the Bearcats will face UMSL on the road in a Saturday game at 1 p.m.