Abbotsford, BC - The McMaster University Marauders (OUA West) defeated the University of Northern British Columbia Timberwolves (Canada West), 88-77, at the Envision Athletic Centre on day two of the second annual Honda Way men's basketball classic.  UNBC finishes the tournament at 0-2, while McMaster sits 1-0 going into tomorrow's game against the tournament host UFV Cascades (2-0).

The first half started out evenly matched with the game tied at 21 at the end of the first quarter.  UNBC, in their inaugural CIS year, demonstrated their resiliency against the long-standing McMaster program.  UNBC persisted and had a one-point lead going into the half, 35-34.

The second half was action-packed with both teams trying to break away.  By the end of the third quarter the Marauders persevered to get a five point lead.  The Timberwolves would come within a point of tying, yet the fourth quarter proved to be challenging.  The Marauders endurance was key in extending their lead to win by 11 points.  Aaron Redpath, Ajax, ON was named the “player of the game” for the Marauders.  The Kinesiology major had 17 points, two rebounds, and 36 minutes on the court.

"We have a young team that responded well after a tough loss last night to UBC.  I was pleased with Aaron’s (Redpath) performance tonight in leading us to victory over UNBC," commented McMaster Head Coach Amos Connolly.

Joe Rocca, Sarnia, ON led McMaster in scoring with 19 points and five rebounds.  Nathan McCarthy, Burlington, ON added another 14 points and four rebounds.  UNBC Timberwolves Joel Rybachuk, Vernon, BC and Jose Araujo, Toronto, ON led their team in scoring with 20 points each. Nathan Pelech, Mississauga, ON led both teams with 11 rebounds. Rybachuk, was named the UNBC “player of the game.”

The final game on day three of the second annual Honda Way men's basketball classic will be held tomorrow at the Envision Athletic Centre.  The host UFV Cascades will take on the McMaster Marauders at 7:00pm.