McPherson, Kansas – The McPherson Bulldogs Women’s Basketball team hosted Doane University in the Holman Fieldhouse to open their 2026-27 campaign. This was the first matchup between the two teams in program history.
Basics
Location: Jim’s Appliances of Inman Court
Records: MC 0-1 (0-0 KCAC), DU 1-0 (0-0 GPAC)
Score: MC 58, DU 71
How it Happened
Doane opened scoring with a layup, which was quickly answered with a three-pointer by sophomore Maizy Gillam to give McPherson their first points of the night. Yagmur Rain Canguven added two free throws a few minutes later, followed by a layup from Gillam to give the Bulldogs a 7-4 lead. The Tigers responded with a 9-0 run to take a 13-7 advantage with 2:31 remaining in the opening quarter. A layup from Catherine Spears and a triple from Mariana Cubero brought the Bulldogs within one point. After a fastbreak layup by Doane, Dana Imankulova hit a jumper at the buzzer to make it 15-14 in favor of the Tigers at the end of the first. Early in the second quarter, Doane knocked down a three to extend their lead to 21-15, but baskets from Amaree Henderson on back-to-back possessions would bring McPherson back within two points. The Tigers responded with eight unanswered points to build a 10-point advantage. Doane carried a 36-25 lead going into halftime.
McPherson looked to cut into Doane’s lead coming out of the break, with Desiree Perez knocking down a three-pointer to open the half. Gillam connected from beyond the arc at the 6:09 mark to bring the Bulldogs within nine at 42-33, but the Tigers answered with baskets of their own to maintain their advantage. Doane continued to keep McPherson at a distance throughout the quarter, taking a 54-41 lead into the final period. The Bulldogs continued to battle in the fourth quarter, working to close the gap, but the Tigers would remain in control to secure the 71-58 victory.
Cubero led the Bulldogs with 13 points and five rebounds, followed by Henderson with 12 points and Gillam with 10. Gillam and Anisa Longs each had two assists and two steals to lead the team. McPherson was 20-for-52 from the field for 38.5%, while Doane finished 24-for-67 at 35.8%. The Bulldogs finished 5-for-20 from beyond the arc for 25.0% and the Tigers were 6-for-30 from three for 20.0%. At the free throw line, McPherson shot 13-for-21 for 61.9%, while Doane finished 17-for-24 for 70.8%.
Up Next
The Bulldogs travel across town for the Central Christian College Classic to take on Champion Christian College on Friday, October 30. Tip-off is set for 2:00 p.m.
