Steppe Hits 1,000 Career Points For McKendree

Senior guard John Steppe (Effingham, IL/St. Anthony) became the newest member of the McKendree University 1,000-point club as the Bearcats were defeated at Lincoln University in men's basketball action on Wednesday, 86-72.
 
The host Blue Tigers shot 54.3 percent in the first half to build a double-digit lead and earn the non-conference win. McKendree slides to 0-3 on the season and will have a week off before hosting Lincoln again next Wednesday (Nov. 21) at the Harry M. Statham Sports Center. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.
 
Steppe, who finished the night with game-high totals of 22 points and 10 rebounds, needed just five points entering the contest to reach the milestone. Steppe hit the mark with a jumper and free throw with 11:41 remaining in the first half. He is the 47th player in McKendree men's basketball history to score at least 1,000 points in a career. With his 22-point performance, Steppe now has 1,017 points with the Bearcats.
 
Junior guard Clinton Happe (Evansville, IN/F.J. Reitz) chipped in with 18 points for McKendree, while freshman forward Matt Murphy (Jerseyville, IL/Jersey Community) contributed 11 points. Freshman guard A.J. Schmidt (New Albany, IN/New Albany) had his first double-digit scoring effort for the Bearcats as he netted 10 points in a reserve role.