ROLLA, MO- In an effort to get back on the winning track, the Miners faced off against the Bearcats of McKendree University. While a big third quarter push got them within four of McKendree, S&T faced their 5^th straight loss in the 74-60 loss.

The Miners started off hot, getting up 13-8 late in the first quarter after Mykala Baylor's (South Bend, Ind./Clay) offensive rebound led to a three-pointer from Laura Rodriguez (Gran Canaria, Spain/Baloncesto Torrelodones). Both teams would trade baskets to finish off the open quarter, looking at a 15-14 score in favor of the Bearcats.

McKendree opened up shop in the second quarter, outscoring the Miners 25-9 getting their lead up to as much as 17 before the break. A free-throw from Jordan Kabetske (Republic, Mo./Republic) and an elbow jumper at the buzzer from Rodriguez would put S&T down 39-24 heading into halftime.

S&T cut their deficit not once, but twice in the second half, the first time came late in the third quarter when Ashley Harvey (Raytown, Mo./Raytown), Mykala Baylor (South Bend, Ind./Clay) and Laura Rodriguez (Gran Canaria, Spain/Baloncesto Torrelodones) combined for seven straight points to make it 50-46. McKendree would add a jumpshot from Jordan Heberg with six seconds left in the quarter to push their lead back out to six.

After getting down 10 quick in the fourth quarter, the Miners would make their second comeback of the night behind baskets from Maddie Raley (Haubstadt, Ind./Gibson Southern), Tristen McFeders (Kansas City, Mo./Bishop Miege), Alex Kerr (St. Louis, Mo./St. Joseph's Academy), and Mykala Baylor (South Bend, Ind./Clay).

Baylor's lay-up with 3:56 left in the game got the Miners within five of the Bearcats. S&T was able to keep it within single digits until the last minute and a half of the game when McKendree would outscore them 6-0 and take the 74-60 win.

Three Miner players found themselves in double-digits in scoring; Laura Rodriguez (Gran Canaria, Spain/Baloncesto Torrelodones) led the way with 18 points while post players Alex Kerr (St. Louis, Mo./St. Joseph's Academy) and Mykala Baylor (South Bend, Ind./Clay) added in 14 and 10, respectively. Baylor led the way for S&T with nine rebounds and added in four blocked shots.

Missouri S&T (7-13, 3-10 GLVC) shot 39% from the floor tonight and dished out 15 assists.