LEBANON, Ill. — The Truman State Women's Basketball team couldn't overcome a strong first quarter by McKendree University, falling 72-60 in Great Lakes Valley Conference action Saturday.

The Bearcats (10-3, 6-1 GLVC) used a dominant first quarter, outscoring Truman State 26-18, to build a lead they would not relinquish. McKendree's Kyra Taylor led all scorers with 22 points, connecting on 10 of 13 shots from the field. Clare Breden added 19 points, while Baylie Parks contributed 12 points and seven rebounds.

Truman State (5-11, 2-4 GLVC) was paced by Lexie White, who matched her season high with 15 points and nine rebounds before fouling out late in the fourth quarter. Jordan Cunningham added nine points and six assists, while Bryar Duwe and Katelyn Odem chipped in eight points each.

The Bulldogs struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 5 of 24 three-point attempts, while the Bearcats capitalized on their efficiency, shooting 50% from the field. McKendree also controlled the boards, outrebounding Truman State 35-28.

Truman State managed to cut the deficit to single digits to close the third quarter and got to within five points on a triple by Duwe with 8:13 remaining but a 12-0 run by McKendree stopped the momentum. The Bearcats sealed the win with clutch free throws and key defensive stops in the final minutes.

The Bulldogs will play three straight at home starting on Thursday night at 5:15 p.m. against Upper Iowa.