Lebanon, IL - McKendree University Women's Basketball returns to the Statham Center on Tuesday night looking to respond after a tightly-contested loss on Saturday, welcoming Division-III member Eureka College for a rare matchup just before the holiday break. Tipoff is set for 6:00 PM from Lebanon, with the Bearcats (4-3, 2-1 GLVC) looking to finish the 2025 home slate on a high note, while the Red Devils (0-7, 0-2 SLIAC) are still in search of their first victory. While Tuesday's game is a regular season contest for McKendree, Eureka is playing it as an exhibition.

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RECAPPING DAVENPORT
The Bearcats pushed Davenport to the limit on Saturday, erasing multiple deficits and briefly taking a fourth quarter lead before ultimately falling, 64-61. Baylie Parks led McKendree with 15 points, six rebounds, and three steals, accounting for nearly a quarter of the team's scoring while anchoring the interior on both ends. McKendree controlled the free throw line, attempting 30 shots to Davenport's 10, but converted only 19 to add up to a 63% clip. 

Defensively, the Bearcats forced 17 Davenport turnovers and turned those into 14 points, recording 10 steals as a team. Despite being held without a made three, McKendree tied or took the lead five different times and had the ball late with a chance to force overtime, but were unable to convert. Kyra Taylor (10 pts, 4 FGs, 3 ast, 2 stl), Chloe White (6 pts, 4 ast, 2 FTM), and Emma Slings (7 pts, 4 stl, 3 ast) were among the other leaders in the loss.

CHECKING IN ON THE BEARCATS
Through seven games, McKendree ranks among the GLVC's most disruptive defensive teams. The Bearcats average 71.3 points per game while holding opponents to 63.7, good for a +7.6 scoring margin. On the glass, McKendree ranks second in the GLVC at 41.9 rebounds per game and leads the league in offensive rebounding (14.9 per game), creating consistent extra possessions.

Turnovers remain a defining positive, with the Bearcats forcing 19.4 per game and owning a +3.0 margin in the turnover battle, while ranking second in the conference at 11.6 steals per game. Free throw shooting has been steady for the season, as McKendree shoots 76.1% from the line, led individually by Baylie Parks, whose 93.3% charity stripe effort is second-best in the conference.

SCOUTING THE RED DEVILS
Eureka enters this matchup, as mentioned, still searching for its first win, but has shown competitive flashes against conference opponents. In its most recent game, the Red Devils led for over half the game against Westminster and carried a six-point advantage into the fourth quarter before the Blue Jays pulled away late.

The Red Devils are guard-driven, led by Allysa Taylor (12.3 ppg, 3.7 apg, 2.1 spg) and Miracle Armstrong (10.7 ppg, 2.7 spg), a duo responsible for over 40% of the team's scoring while also setting the tone defensively in the passing lanes. Sierra Garcia-Reisch (10.4 ppg, 4.9 rpg) adds a physical perimeter presence, while Courtney Hart (8.6 ppg, 7.7 rpg) anchors the interior and leads the team in rebounding. Defensively, Eureka averages 10.6 steals per game and has generated transition chances despite the win-loss record. 

BEARCAT KEYS TO THE GAME
Control the glass early
McKendree's rebounding margin (+ 6.3) is one of its most reliable advantages. Establishing second-chance scoring and limiting Hart's impact on the defensive glass will be critical in preventing Eureka from staying within a couple of possessions. 

Win the turnover battle
Eureka's perimeter pressure has produced double-digit steals per game, but McKendree's ball pressure can flip momentum quickly. Forcing the Red Devils into rushed possessions while protecting the ball offensively will dictate pace and scoring runs. 

Convert at the free throw line
The Bearcats have consistently lived at the stripe, ranking fourth in the GLVC in free throw percentage. Maintaining composure late and capitalizing on earned opportunities will be key to seizing control of the game. 

Set the defensive tone from the get-go
Eureka's guards thrive when able to play downhill. Keeping the ball out of the middle, contesting pull-ups, and finishing possessions with rebounds allow McKendree to dictate tempo and build separation as the game moves along.