Box Score Quincy, Ill. - A new Quincy University women's basketball team showed up on Saturday (Dec. 9), taking the McKendree Bearcats to a close finish. The Hawks fell 65-61 to the now 6-0 in conference Bearcats. 

Unlike the typical home court narrative, the Hawks kept the first quarter at bay. Five different Hawks scored in the first to keep the score close at 18-15.

The second quarter was where the Hawks got hot. Cymirah Williams got the first tying jumper, but the Bearcats responded quickly. Taya Stevenson splashed a three pointer from the top of the key to take back the tie and help the Hawks secure the lead going into halftime. 

The Bearcats found some gusto in the third quarter, outshooting the Hawks 20-12 and being demanding in the paint.

The fourth quarter was a true battle between the undefeated (in GLVC play) Bearcats and the Hawks, looking for their first home win. The Hawks took over the lead after a minute of play, and went basket for basket with the Bearcats until the final two minutes. Double bonus free throws hurt the Hawks as they ended the game down four points. 

Despite the loss, three Hawks scored over ten points--Williams (12), Janiece Dawson (11), and Danso (10). Danso also had her third straight double-double, recording fourteen rebounds. She leads the league in offensive rebounds and in rebounds per game. 

The Hawks have one more home game to close out their 2023 home slate against Hannibal-LaGrange on Tuesday, December 12th.