Lebanon, IL - The McKendree University Women's Basketball team (11-7, 8-4 GLVC) had a high-quality matchup on their hands on Thursday night, as they played the #25-ranked UMSL Tritons (16-2, 12-0 GLVC) in a battle of teams sitting at fifth (McKendree) and first (UMSL) in the latest conference standings. The Bearcats led for over half of the game, just over 23.5 minutes (UMSL led for 10:13), had 11 ties and 15 lead changes, but the visiting Tritons made just enough plays down the stretch to pull off the win. Kyra Taylor's 23 points anchored the night, as McKendree matched the league's leader possession for possession until the closing seconds. 

McKendree opened the game with strong play inside, scoring its first four points on paint finishes by Madison Johnson and Taylor. After UMSL briefly evened the score, Taylor finished a layup off an Emma Slings assist to regain the lead. Taylor Fohey added a second-chance bucket midway through the quarter, and McKendree continued to pressure defensively. With under a minute left, Tessa Crawford knocked down a three-pointer to cap the quarter, sending McKendree to the break with a 16-12 advantage.

The Tritons opened the second quarter with a basket to cut the deficit, but McKendree answered as Taylor scored inside to restore a two-point lead. The teams traded baskets over the next several minutes, with Slings scoring on a pull-up jumper and Johnson converting a layup in traffic. Taylor also drew multiple fouls and was able to convert at the line to keep the Bearcats in front. After a brief UMSL run, Slings hit a step-back jumper to push McKendree ahead, and Johnson added another paint finish late in the half. The Bearcats closed the second quarter up 28-25 after holding the Tritons to contested looks from three and continuing to control the defensive glass.

McKendree came out aggressive in the third quarter, as Taylor scored on consecutive possessions inside to extend the lead. After UMSL pulled within one, Taylor converted a hook shot and Crawford followed with a trey to push the lead to five. Parks then picked off a pass for a steal and fast break layup, giving the Bearcats its largest lead at 39-32. Slings continued the run with a three off a turnover, and Fohey added an assist to keep things flowing. The Tritons responded late with perimeter shooting, but Taylor's free throws in the final minute helped McKendree take a 45-44 lead into the fourth. 

The fourth quarter saw constant momentum swings as neither team led by more than three points. Crawford opened the scoring with a driving layup, and Taylor followed with a put-back and free throw to keep McKendree within one. After UMSL briefly pulled ahead, Johnson finished a driving layup to trim the deficit, and Taylor scored again off a turnover to give the Bearcats a 57-56 lead with just over three minutes to go. The teams traded free throws and defensive stops down the stretch, and Taylor tied the game late before UMSL regained the lead at the line. McKendree had a final look in the closing seconds, but the shot fell short as the Tritons secured the three-point victory.

BEARCAT INDIVIDUAL NOTABLES
Kyra Taylor | 23 points (9-of-18 shooting, 5-of-5 free throws), 5 rebounds
Tessa Crawford | 10 points (2 3's)
Emma Slings | 8 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists
Madison Johnson | 8 points, 5 rebounds

WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE BEARCATS
vs. Maryville Saints (15-5, 9-3)
Saturday, January 31st - 1:00 PM
Statham Center - Lebanon, IL
Watch Live ($) (GLVCSN)
Live Stats (Sidearm Sports)
Tickets (UniversityTickets)