Kirksville, MO - McKendree University Women's Basketball heads back on the road this weekend looking to build momentum in Great Lakes Valley Conference play, as the Bearcats (6-5, 3-2 GLVC) travel to Missouri for matchups at Truman State (7-6, 4-1 GLVC) on Thursday and William Jewell (0-11, 0-5 GLVC) on Saturday. Fresh off a close 74-64 home win over UIndy that snapped a brief skid, McKendree looks for an opportunity to solidify its spot in the top half of the league standings. The weekend's two matchups combine to be a measuring stick and a chance to get valuable road results, which can be easier said than done in a league as tough as the GLVC. Thursday's game tips off at 5:15 PM from Kirksville, while Saturday's game tips off at 1:00 PM from Liberty.
HOW TO FOLLOW THE TRUMAN STATE GAME
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LIVE STATS (SIDEARM SPORTS)
HOW TO FOLLOW THE WILLIAM JEWELL GAME
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LIVE STATS (SIDEARM SPORTS)
TICKETS (HOMETOWN TICKETING)
RECAPPING UINDY
McKendree controlled the flow for most of Sunday's game against UIndy, leaning on interior offense, second-chance buckets, and defensive stops to close out a 74-64 victory in Lebanon. Baylie Parks anchored the effort with 15 points on 6-of-7 shooting and nine rebounds, fighting through contact and getting offensive rebounds to create critical extra possessions in a game with a 10-point margin. Chloe White matched Parks with 15 points, knocking down threes that helped McKendree answer the multiple Greyhound pushes they were met with, while Kyra Taylor added 13 points and drew five fouls. The Bearcats shot 46.4% from the field and 43.8% from three, out-scored UIndy in the paint (38-28), and held advantages in points off turnovers, second-chance points, and bench scoring.
SCOUTING THE TRUMAN STATE BULLDOGS
Truman State enters the weekend playing some of its best basketball of the season, following a 69-62 road win at Missouri S&T. The Bulldogs have been efficient offensively, averaging 70.2 points per game. They are particularly dangerous when it turns into a half-court game and when they're able to execute from the perimeter. Emajin McCallop leads the Bulldogs at 14.1 points per game, while Morgan Miller (10.3 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.9 apg) and Mariann Blass (10.6 ppg) provide scoring balance. Mallory Ott is their key interior presence, averaging 8.8 points and 6.5 rebounds. The Bulldogs have done a quality job forcing turnovers lately, including 21 miscues at Missouri S&T.
SCOUTING THE WILLIAM JEWELL CARDINALS
William Jewell continues to search for its first win, but the Cardinals remain competitive in stretches. Jewell averages 48.2 points per game, with Syderah Farmer leading the scoring at 9.0 points per game, while Jariah Harris and Jalea Price provide threats from behind the arc. Despite the results, Jewell has shown flashes, especially on the defensive glass. The Cardinals are being outscored by 24.6 points per game and are shooting 31.2% from the field as a team, but William Jewell continues to compete on that glass, averaging 35.6 rebounds per game. Jewell also leans on its bench production, getting 13 points per game from the bench.
STAT CATEGORIES THAT WILL MATTER THE MOST VS. THE BULLDOGS
Turnovers Forced & Points off Turnovers
Truman State thrives when they're able to turn defense into offense. McKendree's ability to protect the ball of late while continuing to cut off the passing lanes will be critical in dictating tempo on the road.
Defensive Rebounding
Limiting second chances against Ott and the Bulldogs' frontcourt will keep Truman State from getting extra possessions and generating potential three-pointers.
Free Throw Differential
Both teams attack the paint, but McKendree's ability to get to the line and convert could swing the game late if it's tight.
STAT CATEGORIES THAT WILL MATTER THE MOST VS. THE CARDINALS
Points in the Paint
McKendree holds a significant advantage inside on paper, but looking to establish that early through names like Parks and Taylor could affect when and if they get control of the game.
Bench Scoring
Depth has been a strength for the Bearcats, and being able to maintain pressure, including when the second unit is in, can prevent Jewell from getting any sort of rhythm.
Transition Defense
While Jewell's scoring numbers are modest, limiting early offense will be key to limiting offensive confidence from the hosts.
