Lebanon, IL - McKendree University Women's Basketball controlled the flow for most of the afternoon and closed strong late, earning a 74-64 victory over the UIndy Greyhounds on Sunday at the Statham Sports Center. After weathering multiple Greyhound (1-12, 0-5 GLVC) pushes, the Bearcats (6-5, 3-2 GLVC) used balanced scoring, second-chance points, and timely defensive stops to snap a brief two-game skid.

McKendree established itself early by controlling the tempo and attacking the paint, especially on the glass. Baylie Parks was a factor immediately, winning the opening tip and scoring a layup before adding another on second-chance tries, as the Bearcats consistently created extra possessions. Chloe White would knock down a jumper as McKendree began to build early momentum. Defensively, the Bearcats forced UIndy to earn their chances at the basket and, albeit present, still limited their looks from three. The Greyhounds, meanwhile, stayed well within striking distance, but McKendree continued to get chances inside and took a 17-14 lead into the second quarter.

The Bearcats found another gear offensively in the second quarter, turning defense into points. Tessa Crawford provided a spark from behind the arc, drilling a three early and continuing to work on stretching the floor while McKendree was capitalizing on turnovers. Jayce Privia fought through contact for a second-chance layup, and Kyra Taylor scored in transition as the Bearcats were able to push the lead to double digits. UIndy responded with a strong stretch of play midway through the quarter, as the Greyhounds started to chip away at the deficit. McKendree weathered the storm. Crawford finished a three-point play in the closing minute, and the Bearcats once again held a three-point lead, this time at 31-28, going into the halftime locker room.

Coming out of the break, McKendree delivered its most complete stretch of the game on both ends. Parks continued to go to work inside, while White knocked down a transition three to spark an early run. Crawford and Taylor helped the scoring off of turnovers, and the Bearcats were able to go right back into their fast break offense after forcing those turnovers. A three from Crawford midway through the quarter highlighted the big surge, as McKendree built a gap in the margin. By the end of the third, McKendree had control, but 10 minutes remained, with the Bearcats in front, 53-43. 

McKendree remained composed down the stretch, leaning on their physicality. Parks continued to score through traffic, while Taylor did the same, as both Slings and Fenton were racking up assists. White added another three, and McKendree's bench provided valuable minutes, enabling the Bearcats to absorb UIndy's final push. The Greyhounds briefly got the game back within single digits, but McKendree answered each time with stops and free throw trips. Fenton would be the last Bearcat at the line, setting the final score with six seconds to go. 

BEARCAT INDIVIDUAL LEADERS
Baylie Parks | 15 points (6-of-7 shooting), 9 rebounds, 2 assists
Chloe White | 15 points (3 3's)
Kyra Taylor | 13 points, 3 rebounds, 5 fouls drawn, 3 assists, 2 steals
Tessa Crawford | 12 points (3 3's), 2 rebounds, +19 

BEARCAT TEAM STATS
Field Goals | 26-of-56 (46.4%)
Three-Pointers | 7-of-16 (43.8%)
Free Throws | 15-of-24 (62.5%)
Rebounds | 33 (12 offensive, 21 defensive)
Assists | 15
Turnovers | 13
Steals | 9
Fouls | 16
Points off Turnovers | 19-14 McKendree
Points in the Paint | 38-28 UIndy
Second-Chance Points | 19-12 McKendree
Fast Break Points | 7-2 McKendree
Bench Scoring | 26-17 McKendree

WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE BEARCATS
@ Truman State Bulldogs (7-6, 4-1 GLVC)
Thursday, January 8th, 2026 - 5:15 PM
at Pershing Arena - Kirksville, MO
Watch Live ($) (GLVCSN)
Live Stats (Sidearm Sports)