LEBANON, Ill. – Quincy University was held under 60 points as McKendree used second-chance opportunities to pull away for a 71-58 victory Saturday afternoon. The Bearcats dominated the glass, collecting 21 offensive rebounds that led to 28 second-chance points.
The opening five minutes were tightly contested, with McKendree holding a slim 8-6 advantage. The Bearcats then seized control with a 14-2 run to close the quarter, hitting 4-of-7 shots and two three-pointers while the Hawks went 1-for-7. McKendree led 22-8 after one.
Quincy shot 3-of-12 with five turnovers in the quarter, while McKendree converted eight field goals and held a 14-6 rebounding edge, including six offensive boards.
McKendree extended its lead to 35-12 midway through the second following a 13-4 run. Late baskets helped Quincy trim the deficit slightly, as
Katey Flynn scored five points and
Hayven Harden added four in the closing minutes. The Bearcats still carried a commanding 40-21 lead into halftime.
Both teams shot over 40 percent in the quarter, but McKendree again controlled the boards with a 12-5 rebounding advantage and five offensive rebounds.
Baylie Parks opened the second half with 11 straight points to keep the Bearcats firmly in control, pushing the lead to 51-27 midway through the period. Quincy responded with one of its most efficient stretches late in the quarter, highlighted by seven points from Harden, but McKendree maintained a 61-39 advantage entering the fourth.
The Bearcats recorded another 20-point quarter and added five more offensive rebounds, while Quincy shot 60 percent in the period but struggled to slow McKendree's momentum.
Harden led the Hawks with 19 points off the bench, two shy of her season high, while adding two blocks and a steal. Flynn scored nine and
Acheampomaa Danso scored 12 points, with Flynn surpassing 900 career points and Danso eclipsing the 800-point mark. Parks paced McKendree with 25 points on 10-of-15 shooting while adding seven rebounds and four steals.
The Hawks return home for their final game inside Pepsi Arena, hosting Lewis University with GLVC Tournament positioning on the line. Quincy currently sits seventh in the standings and looks to clinch its postseason spot. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 PM on Thursday, January 26th.
