LEBANON, Ill. — Behind a double-double from Maddie Geers, a dominant rebounding effort by Ellie Toney, and a career- and season-high scoring performance from Reese Polega, Davenport's women's basketball delivered a poised road performance Saturday afternoon, holding off McKendree, 64–61, at the Harry M. Statham Sports Center to earn a quality non conference victory.

The Panthers leaned on their interior presence and defensive execution in key moments, finishing with a 42–28 advantage in points in the paint and outscoring the Bearcats 18–16 in the third quarter to maintain control of a tightly contested game.
Davenport set the tone early, opening the game with strong play around the rim. Kayla Covington got DU on the board with a layup less than 30 seconds in, assisted by Maddie Geers, as Davenport raced to a 22–15 first-quarter lead. The Panthers shot an efficient 10-of-18 from the field in the opening frame and pulled down 12 rebounds to establish early momentum.

McKendree responded in the second quarter, trimming the margin with trips to the free-throw line, but Davenport continued to answer. Anna Axtell and Geers converted finishes inside to keep the Panthers in front, while a defensive stand capped by Amaya Henderson's block preserved a 35–30 halftime advantage.

The Panthers regained momentum coming out of the break. Covington opened the third quarter with another layup, and Toney and Polega combined for timely baskets as DU continued to control the paint. Despite McKendree cutting into the deficit, Davenport's defense forced multiple turnovers down the stretch of the quarter, including a late steal by Geers, sending the Panthers into the fourth with a 53–46 lead.

The Bearcats made one final push in the closing minutes, briefly taking a one-point lead late in the fourth. Davenport responded with composure, as Polega finished a crucial layup with 26 seconds remaining before Geers knocked down two free throws with six seconds left to seal the victory. The Panthers closed the game with a defensive stop to secure the three-point road win.

Davenport Top Performers
Maddie Geers

• 14 points
• 11 rebounds
• 4-for-4 from the free-throw line

Reese Polega

• 13 points
• 4 steals
• 1 block

Ellie Toney

• 7 points
• 10 rebounds

Nevaeh Williams

• 9 points
• 8 assists

Davenport will head south to Daytona Beach, Fla., next week for a pair of nonconference matchups against Rollins College and No. 19 Embry-Riddle on Dec. 18–19, before returning to Michigan to prepare for GLIAC action, beginning with a New Year's Day matchup at Northern Michigan in Marquette.