FAYETTE, Iowa – McKendree University women's basketball captured its third overtime win in three weeks as the Bearcats topped Upper Iowa University 99-95. McKendree improves to 16-5 overall and 12-3 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.  

The 45-minute contest was a battle of back-and-forth momentum with many critical shots and short scoring runs to gain the lead. 16 lead changes occurred in the four and a half quarters of play as the two teams put their best foot forward in a gritty competition.  

McKendree took the early but slim 23-19 lead in the first quarter, shooting over 65 percent from the field. Upper Iowa would not be silenced however, as the Peacocks climbed to their own 43-37 lead after 20 minutes of play. McKendree still held the upper hand with field goals, netting 50 percent of tries, though the Peacocks, known for their many three-point attempts, were able to sink seven three pointers in the first half.  

The Bearcats continued their trend of a top-tier third quarter, putting up 29 points while holding the Peacocks to 18 and gaining the lead 66-61. Upper Iowa returned the favor in quarter four, as UIU's Katie Tornstrom hit a step-back shot from beyond the arc with just seconds to play. A last-second attempt from McKendree was unsuccessful, sending the two foes into overtime.  

McKendree was not discouraged by an early 6-1 run from the Peacocks. Two fast-break layups, including an And-1 free throw from senior guard Maclayne Taylor put the Bearcats right back in it. The teams were tied one more time at 91-91 before Taylor hit two more fast-break layups and the Peacocks were forced to foul. Bonus free throws were enough to push the Bearcats to victory, scoring their highest number of points so far this season.  

McKendree head coach Kari Kerkhoff said of her team, "Really impressed with our team composure in today's game. We didn't back down from pressure and we stayed focused down the stretch." 

Five Bearcats were in double-digits for the day including junior guard Clare Breden with 24 points, Taylor with a career-high 22 points, senior forward Naomi McDaniel with a 16-point, 13-rebound double-double, senior guard Madyson Harper with 15 points, and senior guard Christy Fortune with 11 points. Harper was just shy of a double-double as she dished out nine assists while Breden delivered seven assists of her own.  

Up next, the Bearcats are back at home on Thursday, Feb. 8 against Quincy University in a 5:30 p.m. game.