LEBANON, Ill. – The Quincy University women's basketball team played outside of Pepsi Arena for the first time since January 4th on Thursday night (Jan. 23). The Hawks got off to a near-perfect start, but faltered down the stretch in a 68-63 loss to the McKendree Bearcats. 

How It Happened
Alexa Low and the Hawks started fast on the road at McKendree. The Hawks opened the game on a 12-0 run in the first 5:03 of the game. Four different Hawks scored including a pair of baskets from Low and Aleksandra Petrovic. 

After the hot start, QU went cold and did not score another basket in the first quarter. Quincy led 12-7 going into the second. 

Two and half minutes into the second quarter, Ella Gobald connected on a three-pointer which gave QU an 18-11 lead. 

With 3:03 remaining in the first half, the Bearcats narrowed the margin. A made jump shot by McKendree made the score 21-19 QU. 

Just before halftime, McKendree gained momentum by tying the game at 24-24 following an and-one play with two seconds left. 

In the second half of play, both teams battled for the lead. McKendree took over with 5:45 left in the third quarter when a made basket gave the Bearcats a 33-31 lead. 

With 1:54 to go in the third quarter, Quincy gained a 41-39 lead after a basket from Aleksandra Petrovic. This was Quincy's final lead of the contest. 

Two of QU's top contributors faced foul trouble going into the fourth quarter as both Ella Gobald and Petrovic had four personal fouls. 

This would prove to be a factor down the stretch as the Bearcats went on a run. 

McKendree ended the third quarter on a 7-1 run to give them a 46-43 lead going to the final quarter. 

As the final ten minutes began, the Bearcats furthered their lead with an 11-2 lead. With 5:39 left, MU led 57-45. 

In the final minutes, Marta Rivera got Quincy back within four points after her back-to-back threes made the margin 65-61. Unfortunately, less than thirty seconds remained and the Bearcats hit enough free throws to keep the Hawks at bay. QU fell by a final score of 68-63. 

QU History
Despite the loss, senior forward Alexa Low broke the career blocks record at Quincy University. After Thursday night's game, Low has 169 career blocked shots with eleven regular season games left to play. 

Stat Leaders
Alexa Low – 18 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 blocks
Aleksandra Petrovic – 16 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists

QU's Record
6-11, 2-7 GLVC

Next Game
Saturday (Jan. 25) at Southern Indiana University
First Tip: 1:00 p.m.