Lebanon, IL - McKendree University Women's Basketball had a hotly contested battle against the Davenport Panthers on their hands on Saturday afternoon, but a handful of late possessions proved decisive as Davenport (2-6, 1-1 GLIAC) escaped the Harry M. Statham Sports Center with a 64-61 win. The Bearcats (4-3, 2-1 GLVC) erased multiple deficits, briefly took a fourth-quarter lead, and had chances down the stretch, but the Panthers' work on the glass and timely defensive plays ultimately swung a tightly-contested non-conference battle.

Davenport raced out to a 20-9 lead, fueled by interior scoring and second-chance opportunities. Baylie Parks and Emma Slings provided early offense for the Bearcats, helping McKendree respond to those Panther runs. Despite Davenport controlling the early minutes, the Bearcats closed the quarter on a 6-2 run to cut the deficit to 22-15. 

McKendree found momentum in the second quarter, using a 7-0 run to tie it back up, capped by a successful old-fashioned three-point play from Morgan Feil, while the Bearcats had also been capitalizing on turnovers to keep the gap small. The Panthers continued to answer with finishes inside and more second-chance buckets, but McKendree also continued to answer themselves, pulling within five at the half, 35-30, after a competitive, more back-and-forth quarter.

The Bearcats came out with a renewed spark after the break, stringing together stops and converting them into points at the other end. Kyra Taylor and Slings helped fuel a push that brought the Bearcats level again, now midway through the third, briefly tying the game and bringing a new energy to the crowd. Davenport responded with composure, offensive rebounds, and continued to work the paint to take a 53-46 lead into the final 10 minutes.

McKendree refused to fold, managing to keep the game close, right into a determined rally in the closing minutes. The Bearcats cut the deficit possession by possession, with a jumper from Parks even giving McKendree the lead at 59-58 with 1:59 to go. Davenport responded with a key transition basket and clutch free throws in the closing second, while McKendree had one final look that didn't fall.

NOTABLE BEARCAT INDIVIDUAL STATS
Baylie Parks | 15 points, 6 field goals, 3 steals
Kyra Taylor | 10 points, 4 field goals, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1 block
Chloe White | 6 points, 4 assists, 2 free throws
Emma Slings | 7 points, 4 steals, 3 assists
Morgan Feil | 5 points, 3-for-5 at the free throw line

NOTABLE BEARCAT TEAM STATS
Points in the Paint | McKendree 42, Davenport 28
Turnovers Forced | 15, leading to 18 points
Steals | 10
Bench Points | 19

WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE BEARCATS
Final 2025 Home Game
vs. NCAA DIII Eureka Red Devils (0-7, 0-2 SLIAC)
at Harry M. Statham Sports Center - Lebanon, IL
Tuesday, December 16th - 6:00 PM
Watch Live ($) (GLVCSN)
Live Stats (Sidearm Sports)
Tickets (UniversityTickets)