Rolla, MO - The McKendree University Women's Basketball team hit the road west on Thursday afternoon, looking to bounce back after a Saturday home loss to Drury. Now, it was the Missouri S&T Miners (7-8, 3-6 GLVC) in front of them, a team that entered the night (4-1) at home and had just beaten Drury two weeks prior. The Bearcats (10-6, 7-3 GLVC) got off to a white-hot start, with Baylie Parks scoring the first 10 points of the game, and although the game got closer after a big first-quarter lead, McKendree led for all 40 minutes on their way to a 69-63 win over the Miners.

The Bearcats came out sharp on both ends in the opening quarter, using defense, rebounding, and efficient scoring to seize control early. Baylie Parks sparked McKendree with the Bearcats' first 10 points of the game, including a personal 7-0 run to start the game, with her three making it 10-2 McKendree and forcing a Missouri S&T timeout. The Bearcats continued to extend the margin through second-chance points and strong bench play, with Tessa Crawford providing an immediate lift by knocking down multiple three-pointers. Kyra Taylor was active around the rim, while McKendree's pressure defense forced turnovers that turned into points on the other end. By the end of the quarter, the Bearcats had dictated the tempo and carried a commanding 31-10 lead into the second quarter.

Missouri S&T opened the second quarter with a run, but McKendree answered with a series of timely, possession-saving plays to stay in front. Taylor Fohey extended multiple trips with offensive rebounds, converting a turnaround putback midway through the quarter to stop the Miners' momentum. Parks drew contact inside during a key stretch as S&T threatened to make it a one-possession game, helping McKendree slow the pace. Later in the quarter, Chloe White pushed the ball ahead to set up a fast-break finish, while Crawford delivered a clean pass that led to a score in traffic, allowing the Bearcats to re-establish breathing room. McKendree managed the final minutes well and went into the locker room holding a 42-36 halftime lead.

Missouri S&T continued to hang around in the third quarter, but the Bearcats continued to respond after each push with timely execution to keep the Miners at arm's length. White opened the half with a catch-and-shoot three to blunt an early S&T surge, and Parks followed with a turnaround finish in the lane after battling through traffic. As the quarter settled, McKendree found its transition offense, highlighted by a fast break layup that turned into a three-point play. Even when S&T trimmed the margin to single digits late, the Bearcats closed the quarter at the free throw line and with a final defensive stand, maintaining a 58-51 lead heading into the fourth.

The Miners made one final push in the fourth quarter, but McKendree continued to punch back at key moments to close out the win. After Missouri S&T cut the deficit to four on a second-chance three early, Kylie Moeller slipped in for a layup and Emma Slings followed with a pull-up jumper to restore order. McKendree continued to manufacture points through effort plays, with Crawford finishing a drive through traffic and Parks protecting the paint with a block during a critical defensive stand. Late turnovers led to a brief S&T surge, but McKendree responded at the line, where Slings calmly knocked down a pair of free throw in the final seconds to seal the six-point victory.

BEARCAT INDIVIDUAL NOTABLES
Kyra Taylor | 19 points, 9 rebounds, 2 steals
Baylie Parks | 16 points, 13 rebounds, 2 blocks
Tessa Crawford | 14 points, 2 assists

WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE BEARCATS
@ Lincoln Blue Tigers (4-13, 2-8 GLVC)
Saturday, January 24th - 1:00 PM
Jason Gym - Jefferson City, Missouri
Watch Live ($) (GLVCSN)
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