Kansas City, MO - McKendree University Women's Basketball heads into the final road weekend of the regular season with momentum and plenty still on the line. Winners of five straight, the Bearcats (16-8, 13-5 GLVC) have climbed into the upper tier of the GLVC standings and now turn their attention to a pair of conference matchups at the Rockhurst Hawks on Thursday and the Southwest Baptist Bearcats on Saturday. With major postseason seeding implications and an opportunity to carry confidence into the GLVC Tournament, this weekend serves as an important step for a team that is playing quality basketball at the right time. 

WHAT'S AT STAKE THIS WEEKEND | 4 Seed, 5 Seed, or 6 Seed?
McKendree could stay put at the four seed in the GLVC Tournament, as the top three seeds are (likely) locked in: #24 UMSL (1), Drury (2), Maryville (3). The Bearcats will not be able to go above the 4 line, as Maryville could finish 16-4, putting that seed out of reach, plus, Drury is 3 games ahead with 2 games left. McKendree would need two wins to avoid falling to as low as 6th. The 7 and 8 seeds are mathematically impossible for McKendree to fall to, as those spots are three games back with two games to go. 

McKENDREE @ ROCKHURST - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26TH - 5:15 PM
17th Meeting Since 2014 - Series Tied, 8-8
Last Matchup: McKendree 96, Rockhurst 50 - December 1st, 2025
Watch Live ($): GLVCSN
Live Stats: Sidearm Sports
Tickets: Hometown Ticketing

McKENDREE @ SOUTHWEST BAPTIST - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28TH - 1:00 PM
13th Meeting since 2014 - Series Tied, 6-6
Last Matchup: McKendree 74, Southwest Baptist 46 - January 15th, 2026
Watch Live ($): GLVCSN
Live Stats: Sidearm Sports
Tickets: Purchased at the Door ($10 General Admission, $5 Students, Free for kids 6-under)

ABOUT THE BEARCATS' LAST WEEK
W vs. Quincy, 71-58 | February 21st, 2026
Saturday's 71-58 victory over Quincy saw McKendree jump out to a 22-8 first quarter lead and maintained control throughout. Baylie Parks delivered a dominant 25-point performance on 10-of-15 shooting, and the Bearcats overwhelmed Quincy on the glass. McKendree held a 42-22 rebounding edge and turned that into a decisive 28-0 advantage in second-chance points. The Bearcats led for nearly 36 minutes. 

W vs. Upper Iowa, 73-60 | February 19th, 2026
Thursday's win over Upper Iowa followed a similar script. After a competitive first half, McKendree found separation behind its rebounding and inside presence. Baylie Parks recorded 19 points and 11 rebounds for her 21st career double-double, while Kyra Taylor added 14 points. The Bearcats controlled the paint (40-32 advantage) and forced 16 Upper Iowa turnovers, converting them into 23 points. A 19-point fourth quarter helped seal the win. 

SCOUTING THE ROCKHURST HAWKS
Rockhurst enters Thursday's game at 7-17 overall and 3-15 in GLVC play, but the Hawks have shown the ability to compete in stretches and create defensive disruption. 

Offensively, Rockhurst averages 59.1 points per game while shooting 35.0% from the field and 24.3% from three-point range. The Hawks lean heavily on Macie Conway (12.3 points per game) and Tori Miller (11.9 ppg), who account for a significant portion of the scoring load. Conway is aggressive and frequently attacks the rim, while Miller provides physicality inside. 

Keeley Steele and Ella Campbell contribute on the perimeter, though overall three-point consistency has been a challenge for the Hawks. Rockhurst averages just 5.7 made threes per game and shoots below 25% from beyond the arc. 

Rebounding has been a season-long obstacle, as Rockhurst is being outrebounded by 14.0 boards per game. However, the Hawks are still able to generate pressure, averaging 10.5 steals per game and maintaining a positive turnover margin. 

In the first meeting this season, McKendree earned a 96-50 victory, shooting efficiently and capitalizing on turnovers. If McKendree controls the glass and maintains defensive pressure, it will put itself in position for another strong showing. 

SCOUTING THE SOUTHWEST BAPTIST BEARCATS
Saturday's matchup at Southwest Baptist is a different dynamic. SBU stands at 8-16 overall and 5-13 in the GLVC, but is coming off a 73-70 overtime win at Missouri S&T. 

SBU averages 65.3 points per game while shooting 40.3% from the field and 31.2% from three-point range, stronger perimeter numbers than Rockhurst. Natalia Crooke (11.3 ppg), Kamiyah Hurd (11.1 ppg), and Ida Lusadisu N'Gonda (9.1 ppg) headline a balanced scoring attack. Hurd is especially effective inside, averaging 7.6 rebounds per game and shooting over 45% from the floor. 

Eviyon Richardson made a major impact in SBU's most recent game, scoring 18 points in the overtime winner in Rolla. SBU also gets to the free throw line, averaging nearly 19 attempts per game. 

Turnovers, however, remain an area of concern. SBU averages 19.3 turnovers per game and hold a negative turnover margin, something McKendree's defense will look to exploit. 

In the first meeting this season, McKendree secured a 74-46 win, controlling the paint and limiting SBU's offensive rhythm. McKendree dominated the boards and dictated the tempo from the get-go. 

Playing in Bolivar presents a different challenge, particularly with SBU coming off a road win and now playing at home, but if McKendree continues its recent formula of rebounding, defense, and balanced scoring, they will have a strong opportunity to close the regular season on a high note and secure the 4 seed in the GLVC Tournament.