GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Five players scored in double figures and Davenport used an aggressive approach in their biggest win of the season on Saturday against McKendree. The Bearcats lost for just the second time in nine games this season, while the Panthers earned their third win of the campaign and have now won two of their last three games heading into the 2025 calendar year. Davenport won for the first time against McKendree in three meetings and did so with solid shooting without hesitation.

Davenport finished the game going 33-of-65 from the floor including 10-of-25 from behind the arc. They tied their season high for triples in a game and was the highest against a NCAA Division II opponent. The team also cleanup on the glass with 40 rebounds including 13 on the offensive glass. Davenport never trailed in the contest and used a 25-16 edge in the second quarter to build a 38-28 halftime lead.

McKendree came out stronger in the second half and cut their deficit to 39-36 just 1:27 into the third quarter. The Bearcats trailed 41-39 at the 6:35 mark, but the Panthers closed out the quarter on a 18-3 run to lead 59-42 heading into the fourth quarter. McKendree shot 4-of-14 in the quarter, while Davenport went 8-of-19 with just two turnovers.

The lead ballooned to 70-46 with 5:36 remaining in the game when McKendree cut it down to 70-58 with a 12-0 run. Ellie Toney responded with a triple with 1:43 left and then a Nevaeh Williams steal and Isabel Lindo layup put any thought of a comeback to rest.

Toney scored 20 or more points for the third time this season, all coming in the last five games. She also led the team with 14 rebounds and made a season-high four triples in eight attempts. Lindo added a season-high 16 points on 7-of-13 shooting and had two steals. Kayla Covington had a career-high 13 points off the bench on 6-of-10 shooting and also grabbed a career-high six rebounds. She had a big role playing 20 minutes as Lillee Gustafson was in foul trouble. Gustafson did score 10 points and grabbed six boards in 20 minutes before fouling out. Jada McCree was the final player in double figures with 11 points and also had three assists. Hannah Schroeder took great care of the ball with a team-high six assists and just one turnover. 

The Panthers (3-7) will be back to GLIAC play once the new year starts on Jan. 2 against Northern Michigan beginning at 5:30 PM. Read Full Article