Quincy, IL - McKendree University Women's Basketball (2-1, 0-0 GLVC) went right back to work on Saturday afternoon, battling the Missouri Southern State Lions (3-2) in the final day of the Hansen-Spear Funeral Home Classic from Quincy's Pepsi Arena. Missouri Southern State controlled the pace at the opening tip and McKendree suffered their first loss of the season, an 86-67 setback. The Bearcats settled in offensively as the game progressed and showed stretches of fight on both ends, but that early deficit proved to be the difference-maker, as the Lions would take on the 19-point victory. 

McKendree was unable to generate clean looks early, going the first five minutes without a field goal, as Missouri Southern State jumped out to a quick multi-possession lead. Kyra Taylor provided a much-needed presence inside, scoring the Bearcats' first basket and battling for position on both sides of the ball, but the offense simply couldn't find a rhythm in the opening 10 minutes. McKendree managed three field goals in the quarter and trailed 22-10 after one while trying to withstand the early momentum swing. 

The Bearcats responded with their most productive stretch of the game in the second quarter, showing improved ball movement and spacing as they poured in 23 points. Tessa Crawford found room on the perimeter and knocked down timely shots, while Baylie Parks made a to-be-expected impact around the rim with strong rebounding and second-chance opportunities. Taylor continued to be a steady presence down low, and McKendree shot 50% in the quarter. Despite the improved efficiency and subsequent energy, the early hole still lingered as the Bearcats would head to the locker room trailing 49-33. 

Missouri Southern State opened the second half by extending its lead to the game's largest margin, forcing McKendree to answer once again. Taylor continued to work inside against traffic, and Crawford kept adding perimeter scoring during a mid-quarter stretch that briefly trimmed down the deficit. The Bearcats also showed renewed defensive urgency during that span, generating stops and creating opportunities in transition, but could not sustain the momentum long enough to make a 'full' push. McKendree entered the fourth quarter down 65-48 after a physical, grind-it-out third quarter. 

The Bearcats continued to compete on the offensive end in the fourth, scoring 19 points and shooting over 50% from the field, while looking for one last late surge. Taylor Fohey aided in transition as well as around the basket, and Crawford remained aggressive. McKendree was able to once again cut into the margin in a few possessions' time, but eventually, time and possessions ran out on the Bearcats, as Missouri Southern State answered with a couple late scores a free throw trips. 

BEARCAT NOTABLES
Kyra Taylor | 16 points, 4 rebounds
Tessa Crawford | 11 points, 4 rebounds, 3-for-6 from three
Baylie Parks | 11 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists
Taylor Fohey | 6 points, 3 rebounds
Emma Slings | 7 points, 4 assists

WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE BEARCATS
2025-2026 GLVC Opener
@ Maryville Saints (4-1, 0-0 GLVC)
Tuesday, November 25th - 5:15 PM
at Moloney Arena - St. Louis, Missouri
Watch Live ($) (GLVCSN)
Live Stats (Sidearm Sports)
Tickets (HomeTown Ticketing)