Box Score
Kentucky Wesleyan held off a second-half rally by visiting McKendree to defeat the Bearcats 76-73 in Great Lakes Valley Conference action at the Sportscenter on Thursday.
The Panthers open the first 20 minutes by shooting 61 percent from the field to forge to a 42-28 halftime advantage.
KWC extended the lead after intermission by going on a 15-6 run for their largest lead at 25 (57-32) at the 16-minute mark.
McKendree then whittle away the deficit over the next 15 minutes to cut the Panthers lead to one at 74-73 with 1:25 left.
The Bearcats (6-12, 1-9) forced a KWC turnover with 60 seconds on the clock. McKendree had two unsuccessful opportunities to score that included a block by
Kourtney Rhoads and
T'Essence Phelps rebound with 20 seconds remaining.
Bianca Barton was fouled a second later where she hit two free throws for the three-point lead at 76-73.
The Bearcat's Haeley Kreisel tried a three-pointer at the buzzer but it was blocked by
Karly Rhoads to seal the victory.
Shelbi Tyra came off the bench to lead KWC with 16 points by shooting six-of-eight from the field in 18 minutes.
Lauren Goffinet scored 14 points plus produced four rebounds and three assists.
Barton tallied 13 points along with team-best five assists and four rebounds.
Jordanne Gambill also came off the bench to collect nine points and four rebounds. Phelps grabbed a team-best six rebounds.
KWC (11-6, 7-3) play at Bellarmine on Saturday at 4:45.
