Bolivar, MO - The McKendree University Women's Basketball team wrapped up its 2025-2026 regular season on Saturday afternoon, battling their fellow Bearcats from Southwest Baptist. McKendree (18-8, 15-5 GLVC) erased an 11-point first quarter deficit and worked its way back to secure an 80-73 road victory. Southwest Baptist (8-18, 5-15 GLVC) led by 11 after one and by one at halftime, but McKendree flipped the game with a 20-point third quarter and then controlled the final 10 minutes, particularly with production at the free throw line. McKendree shot 42.4% from the field, forced 21 turnovers, and finished with 50 points in the paint and 25 fast break points to complete the comeback.

Southwest Baptist dictated the opening quarter behind their shooting, specifically their transition offense. After Emma Slings opened the game with a fast break bucket off a Madison Johnson assist, SBU responded with offense from the perimeter and second chance scoring. A pair of three pointers and multiple points off McKendree turnovers helped Southwest Baptist build separation midway through the quarter. McKendree got extra possessions with offensive rebounds from names like Baylie Parks and Morgan Feil, but SBU closed the quarter on a surge, including a turnover converted into a layup in the final seconds to take a 28-17 lead after the first quarter.

McKendree tightened the margin in the second quarter by turning turnovers to offense. Chloe White turned a steal into a layup, Kylie Moeller knocked down a three-pointer off a Kyra Taylor assist, and Slings added a driving finish to trim the deficit. Taylor's scoring inside began to take shape as she attacked for multiple layups and free throws. Feil was active on the glass, creating second chance points during a key stretch where McKendree briefly moved in front. Although Southwest Baptist answered late to regain a slim edge, McKendree closed within 40-39 at halftime after outscoring SBU 22-12 in the quarter.

The third quarter featured several lead changes before McKendree seized control. Parks converted inside and completed a three-point play, White drilled a three from the wing, and Taylor continued to go to work in the paint with turnaround jumpers and second chance makes. Defensive stops fueled the shift, as McKendree limited Southwest Baptist to 33.3% shooting in the quarter. A late putback by White and a transition bucket from Tessa Crawford in the final seconds pushed McKendree in front 59-55 entering the fourth quarter. 

McKendree protected its lead in the final quarter with defense and their ability to capitalize off SBU miscues. Feil swiped a steal and got a three-point play, Taylor added a put back and later converted free throws to extend the lead, and both Johnson and White each got key baskets inside within the final four minutes of the game. McKendree repeatedly turned SBU turnovers into points, scoring 22 such points. Taylor capped her performance with 25 points and 11 rebounds for her third career double-double. Down the stretch, McKendree went 9-of-13 at the free throw line in the fourth quarter to seal the seven-point win.

BEARCAT INDIVIDUAL LEADERS
Kyra Taylor | 25 points, 11 rebounds
Chloe White | 13 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals
Morgan Feil | 12 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals

WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE BEARCATS
2026 GLVC Tournament Quarterfinal
vs. #4 Lewis Flyers (17-11)
Friday, March 6th - 12:00 PM CST
Mark Twain Building - St. Louis, MO
Watch Live ($) (GLVCSN)
Tickets (Hometown Ticketing)