Lebanon, IL - The McKendree University Women's Basketball team wrapped up a high-octane weekend on Saturday at the Statham Sports Center by hosting the Maryville Saints. McKendree (11-8, 8-5 GLVC) put itself in position for the signature home win, but Maryville's balance, bench production, and late execution proved decisive as the Saints pulled away for a 76-63 win. The Bearcats led after the first quarter, held a halftime lead, and were within one late in the third, but Maryville used a 21-11 fourth quarter and 31 bench points to flip a tight game into a double-digit final score. Kyra Taylor led McKendree with 18 points, while Baylie Parks added 11 points and nine rebounds.

McKendree set the tone early with defense and second-chance points. Baylie Parks was dominant in the opening quarter, scoring eight points while pulling down four rebounds, including multiple putbacks that fueled an early run. Emma Slings knocked down a three and Kyra Taylor attacked inside as the Bearcats built their largest lead of the half at 24-18. Maryville stayed close, but McKendree controlled the glass and pace early, winning the rebounding battle and heading into the second quarter with momentum.

The second quarter turned into a grind, with both teams trading baskets and runs. Madison Johnson continued her strong inside presence for the Bearcats, finishing second chance tries and helped McKendree stay in front. Slings added another three, and Taylor scored inside as the Bearcats pushed their lead to 33-29 midway through the quarter. Maryville responded with trips to the free throw line and shooting from distance, but McKendree closed the half at the line as well. Taylor hit a pair of free throws in the final minute to send the Bearcats into halftime up 37-35. 

Momentum swung repeatedly after the break. Maryville briefly tied the game before McKendree answered with a strong stretch. Taylor scored on a second-chance layup, and Slings buried a three off a turnover to give the Bearcats a 49-43 lead, their largest of the half. Parks continued to battle inside, reaching double figures, while Taylor was helping with the tempo element of the game. However, Maryville started to find rhythm late in the quarter. The Saints would hit a key three, and they'd close the quarter on a 12-3 run to take a 55-52 lead into the fourth quarter.

McKendree stayed within striking distance early in the fourth, tying the game at 59-all on a Taylor free throw after an and-one. From there, Maryville took control. The Bearcats continued, though, to fight on in rebounding, including Parks finishing with nine boards, but McKendree would struggle to convert in traffic late. The Saints sealed the game at the free throw line and with a late bucket, closing out the 13-point win.

BEARCAT INDIVIDUAL NOTABLES
Kyra Taylor | 18 points (8-of-8 free throws), 7 rebounds, 2 assists
Baylie Parks | 11 points, 9 rebounds, 2 steals
Emma Slings | 10 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals
Madison Johnson | 10 points, 3 rebounds

WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE BEARCATS
Hall of Fame Day & Alumni Day
vs. UIS Prairie Stars (9-11, 6-6 GLVC)
Saturday, February 7th - 1:00 PM
Watch Live ($) (GLVCSN)
Live Stats (Sidearm Sports)
Tickets (UniversityTickets)