Hamilton, Ont. - In McMaster's first home game of the second half of the regular season, the Marauders took down the visiting Waterloo Warriors 79-51. The game's high scorer was rookie Abby Hurd of the Marauders with 18 points. She was also named the Big Mac Player of the Game.

Halfway through the first, the Marauders took an early lead of 9-5 and never looked back, capitalizing on sloppy play on either end of the court. Big defensive plays in McMaster's end kept Waterloo's scoring to a minimal as the Marauders would go up 15-7 before the Warriors would score another basket. The score would end at the half 20-11 in favour of the home side.

In the second, the Marauders took their first double-digit lead of the game at 7:30. Taylor Chiarot would have a game-high six at that time including a three pointer earlier in the quarter. Later in the second around the five minute mark, rookie Hurd would drain a three of her own to help the Marauders go up by 13 with a score of 27-14. Waterloo quickly responded with a three of their own at the shot clock buzzer.

The closest the Warriors would get would be within 11 as McMaster continued to build up their lead. Chiarot would hit ten points with two foul shots with a minute and a half to go and Hurd would sink another three just before the halftime buzzer to make the score 39-26.

In the third, the Marauders couldn't be stopped as a number of McMaster players got on the board with shots, lay-ups and free throws. Hailey Milligan would force the and-one at 4:00 to push the lead to 22 points at 56-34. The third quarter would end 58-38 for the Marauders. Three players for the home team had already hit double-digit numbers including Chiarot, Milligan and Liz Burns.

In the fourth it was smooth sailing for the Marauders as they closed out the win with a score of 79-51. McMaster now restores their .500 record from before the break at 5-5 on the season.

Hurd led the Marauders with 18 points. Milligan recorded the double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Chiarot ended the game with 13 points for the Marauders and teammate Burns added another 12.

For Waterloo, Madison Behr had a team-high 13 points and Laura Burnett had another 10 for the visitors.

Next up for the Marauders is the Brock Badgers on Wednesday, January 11 on the road at 6:00 p.m.