Jefferson City, MO - McKendree University Women's Basketball, like numerous teams across the country on Saturday, faced the wrath of Mother Nature and were forced to move their game up to a morning tipoff time to ensure safe travels back to Lebanon. The Bearcats (11-6, 8-3 GLVC) were taking on the Lincoln Blue Tigers (4-14, 2-9 GLVC) in the final road tilt for the Bearcats until mid-February. McKendree was able to handle business, knocking off Lincoln 79-68 behind a scoring showcase from Baylie Parks. Parks piled up 34 points as the Bearcats controlled the paint from start to finish and never let Lincoln fully seize momentum. With Kyra Taylor also reaching double figures and Emma Slings setting the table by tying a career-high in assists, McKendree was able to lean on both star power and depth to pick up their fourth straight GLVC road win while also moving to (6-1) in their last seven games. 

McKendree established its presence early by winning the effort battle and working across the lineup. Chloe White opened the scoring on a second-chance opportunity, while Madison Johnson controlled the glass on both ends to help the Bearcats weather an early dry spell. Baylie Parks began to assert herself late in the quarter with back-to-back finishes inside, and Kyra Taylor added interior touches that kept pressure on Lincoln's defense. Emma Slings held her own from the perimeter and helped McKendree settle into rhythm as the Bearcats took a 16-11 lead after one.

The Bearcats widened the margin in the second quarter by turning defense into points. Parks powered a key 8-0 run with three straight baskets in the paint, while Taylor Fohey provided a spark off the bench with second-chance finishes, and Morgan Feil added points at the free throw line as McKendree continued to build separation. Hannah Fenton and Tessa Crawford also chipped in during the stretch, with Slings closing the half with a late pull-up jumper to give the Bearcats a 38-29 halftime advantage.

McKendree seized control in the third quarter behind a dominant stretch from Parks, who continued to finish through traffic and off the glass as her scoring total continued to climb. Slings stayed in attack mode, repeatedly setting up Parks and piling up assists, plus Kyra Taylor made her presence felt with transition scores and offensive rebounds. Madison Johnson powered the defense with steals and fast-break chances. By the end of the quarter, Parks had turned the game into a statement performance, and McKendree had stretched the lead to 63-47.

Lincoln made a push early in the fourth, but McKendree responded. Jayce Privia got a key layup to go during the surge, and Slings answered with a finish. Parks stepped back in an quickly halted the momentum with a series of buckets and free throws, while Taylor continued her double-figure effort with second-chance points late. Down the stretch, Crawford knocked down a free throw, Johnson brought in key rebounds, and the Bearcats closed the game at the free throw line, sealing the 11-point win behind Parks' 34-point effort, just shy of her 35-point career high, and a truly balanced team effort.

McKENDREE NOTABLE INDIVIDUALS
Baylie Parks | 34 points, 6 rebounds
Kyra Taylor | 11 points, 4 rebounds
Taylor Fohey | 8 points, 4 rebounds
Emma Slings | 5 points, 3 rebounds, 8 assists

WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE BEARCATS
vs. UMSL Tritons (15-2, 11-0 GLVC)
Thursday, January 29th - 5:30 PM
at Statham Sports Center - Lebanon, IL
Watch Live ($) (GLVCSN)
Live Stats (Sidearm Sports)
Tickets (UniversityTickets)