Lebanon, IL - McKendree University Women's Basketball opens the 2026 calendar year with a pair of home contests inside the Statham Sports Center, welcoming the Lewis Flyers (5-6, 1-2 GLVC) on Friday, January 2nd at 5:30 PM, before hosting the UIndy Greyhounds (1-10, 0-3 GLVC) on Sunday, January 4th at 1:00 PM. The Bearcats (5-4, 2-1 GLVC) return to action following a competitive road test at Missouri Western and now face two league opponents that bring distinctly different styles of play into Lebanon.
HOW TO FOLLOW THE LEWIS GAME
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HOW TO FOLLOW THE UINDY GAME
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RECAPPING MISSOURI WESTERN
McKendree enters the weekend following a 76-69 loss at Missouri Western back on December 20th, a game that featured multiple momentum swings and a late fourth quarter tie. The Bearcats erased deficits in each half, tied the game at 64-64, and remained within one possession until the final minute.
Baylie Parks posted one of the strongest interior performances of the season, finishing with 19 points and 16 rebounds while drawing repeated fouls and generating second-chance opportunities. McKendree finished with a 44-40 rebounding advantage, including 15 offensive boards, and converted 21-of-28 free throws (75.0%).
Kyra Taylor scored 10 points, going a perfect 4-for-4 at the line, while
Morgan Feil added 11 points, continuing a stretch of aggressive rim attacks. Despite limiting Missouri Western in the half-court for stretches, perimeter shooting and transition points ultimately proved decisive.
SCOUTING THE LEWIS FLYERS
Lewis enters the weekend at 5-6 after a 59-51 win over Roosevelt on December 20th, leaning heavily on efficiency, defense, and ball pressure. Yahaira Bueno has emerged as the Flyers' primary scoring option, averaging double figures and coming off a career-high 22-point outing on 8-of-12 shooting, while also contributing defensively with four steals.
The Flyers are balanced beyond Bueno. Mercy Lasu provides consistent interior production and rebounding, recording seven points and nine rebounds in the Roosevelt win, while Jasmine Jones added eight points and eight rebounds, showcasing Lewis' ability to get contributions from multiple frontcourt players. In the backcourt, Ally Cesarini anchors Lewis' defensive pressure and is currently riding a five-game streak with four or more steals, totaling 23 steals over that span.
Defensively, Lewis has been elite on the perimeter, holding its last two opponents to just 15.4% shooting from three-point range, while forcing turnovers that limit transition opportunities the other way. Lewis is most effective when games are slowed into physical, half-court possessions where rebounding and defensive discipline dictate tempo.
SCOUTING THE UINDY GREYHOUNDS
UIndy comes to Lebanon riding momentum after a 66-41 win over Ohio Dominican on December 18th, its first victory of the season, highlighted by a decisive 36-13 scoring run spanning the second and third quarters. The Greyhounds showcased offensive balance and spacing, finishing with four double-figure scorers and a season-high 20 assists.
Patricia Chikamba and Graycie Poe led all scorers with 18 points each, with Poe also contributing five assists as a facilitator. Amyrah Sapenter delivered a two-way performance, scoring in double figures while adding six steals, and Autumn Rucker provided perimeter scoring as part of a group that combined to shoot 40% from three during the decisive run. UIndy connected on nine three-pointers overall and held Ohio Dominican to 38.5% shooting from the field.
On the glass, Kylah Lawson pulled down 10 rebounds, helping UIndy finish with 39 total boards and control defensive possessions. When the Greyhounds protect the ball and generate clean perimeter looks, they are capable of building separation quickly.
STAT CATEGORIES THAT WILL MATTER MOST VS. LEWIS
Rebounding (Offensive & Defensive)
Lewis consistently relies on Lasu and Jones to control the glass, while McKendree ranks among its strongest games when Parks can generate second chances. Parks' 16 rebounds at Missouri Western emphasize how critical offensive rebounding will be to extend possessions against a defense that limits clean looks.
Turnovers Forced / Points Off Turnovers
Lewis thrives on defensive disruption, led by Cesarini's steals streak. McKendree must both protect the ball and look to force turnovers of its own to prevent Lewis from settling into half-court sets that favor their physical style.
Free Throw Attempts & Conversion
Lewis defends aggressively in the paint. McKendree's ability to attack downhill, as shown by 21 made free throws at Missouri Western, can neutralize Lewis' perimeter defense and keep the scoreboard moving, even when outside shots are contested.
STAT CATEGORIES THAT WILL MATTER MOST VS. UINDY
Three-Point Defense
UIndy's offense is most dangerous when Cikamba, Poe, Sapenter, and Rucker are finding rhythm from the perimeter. Limiting open looks and forcing late-clock attempts will be key after the Greyhounds knocked down nine threes in their last outing.
Assist / Turnover Ratio
UIndy posted 20 assists in its most complete offensive showing of the season. Disrupting passing lanes while valuing possessions on the offensive end will help McKendree control pace and prevent extended scoring runs.
Transition Defense & Live Ball Turnovers
Sapenter's six-steal performance illustrates how quickly UIndy can turn defense into offense. Sprinting back, securing outlets, and avoiding live-ball turnovers will be essential to keeping the Greyhounds out of transition.
