Wrapping up an exceptional rookie season in style, the first-year kinesiology major led the Marauders in scoring in a pair of lopsided victories over the Algoma Thunderbirds, which secured Mac’s spot as the top team in the OUA West.
The Newmarket, Ont. native had a game high of 17 points on four of 11 shooting and three of seven from beyond the arc, hitting six of eight free throws and adding six rebounds as McMaster beat Algoma 76-42 in the first half of the weekend doubleheader on Friday, February 16.
A night later, Gates was the pace-setter yet again in dropping a game high 16 points on six of 15 shooting and three of 10 from three-point range, while adding three rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block in an 88-37 victory.
With the wins, McMaster concluded the OUA regular season with a 20-4 record, and earned the right to host throughout the Critelli Cup playoffs.
The Marauders await the winner of the OUA West first round matchup between the Guelph Gryphons and Western Mustangs to determine their opponent in a quarterfinal Saturday, February 24 at Burridge Gym.