Lebanon, IL - McKendree University Women's Basketball returns to the Statham Sports Center on Saturday afternoon, welcoming GLIAC member Davenport (1-6, 1-1 GLIAC) for a 1:00 PM tipoff in a non-conference matchup. The Bearcats (4-2, 2-1 GLVC) enter the weekend riding a two-game winning streak and holding a winning record through the opening month, while the Panthers arrive fresh off their first win of the season and searching for traction away from home.
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RECAPPING UIS
McKendree closed its most recent road trip with a gritty 68-66 victory at UIS, answering nearly every Prairie Star push with timely execution on both ends.
Tessa Crawford led all scorers with a career-high 23 points, hitting four threes and setting the tone, while
Baylie Parks delivered a near-perfect shooting night and a double-double, capped by the decisive go-ahead basket in the final two minutes.
Chloe White added 16 points and sealed the outcome at the free throw line late, as the Bearcats forced 25 UIS turnovers and converted them into 25 points.
CHECKING IN ON McKENDREE
Through six games, McKendree has posted one of the GLVC's most balanced stat profiles. The Bearcats lead the league at 73.0 points per game, while holding opponents to 63.7, good for a +9.3 scoring margin. On the glass, McKendree has controlled the boards with a +8.3 rebounding margin, ranking among the conference leaders in total rebounds per game (42.7) and offensive rebounds (15.0). Defensively, the Bearcats generate 11.8 steals per contest, whilst also committing fewer turnovers than their opponents by a +3.2 margin. Parks leads the way at 12.0 points and 7.8 rebounds per game, with White (10.5 ppg) and Crawford (10.2 ppg) also averaging double figures, while
Emma Slings (3.3 apg) leads the way in assists.
SCOUTING DAVENPORT
Davenport enters Saturday having just won its first game of the year, suggesting it's starting to find its footing. The Panthers earned that first victory with a 74-59 final score over Lake Superior State on Saturday, leaning on pressure and interior scoring to control the game. Nevaeh Williams (11.7 ppg, 33.3% shooter) anchors the offense, while Maddie Geers (13.1 points per game, 54% shooter) has emerged as a consistent scoring option and efficient finisher. Davenport averages 57.3 points per game and has shown a willingness to attack the paint and draw fouls, converting at a high rate from the free throw line in their recent games. Defensively, the Panthers protect the rim well, ranking among the GLIAC leaders in blocks per game, and have shown improvement in the rebounding department over the last two games.
BEARCAT KEYS TO THE GAME
Control the Glass
McKendree's rebounding advantage has fueled second-chance points and limited opposing runs. Maintaining said edge against a Davenport front line that blocks shots and crashes defensively will be critical to controlling the pace.
Turn Defense into Offense
The Bearcats thrive when pressure leads to transition opportunities. Continuing to force turnovers and convert them into points can stretch the floor and prevent Davenport from settling into a rhythm.
Value Late-Game Possessions
Both teams have played tight games early in the year. Executing in the final minutes if need be, whether that be shot selection, ball security, or free throws, will be pivotal if Saturday turns into another one of those games.
