Box Score While the OUA bronze medal was at stake, along with some bragging rights, the Ottawa women's basketball team was playing to extend its season on Saturday afternoon, while the McMaster Marauders could only play spoiler.   The Gee-Gees did what they needed to do and defeated Mac 71-50.

The opening quarter saw some good action from both teams, with Hailey Milligan having some success inside, while Ottawa got some production from former Marauder Alyska Lukan to finish the period leading 14-10.  While the score was still close at that point, the Marauders only made one of six free throw attempts, foreshadowing a tough shooting day for the Maroon.

Ottawa turned up the defense in the second quarter, and used its size advantage to get some easy baskets.  The Marauders struggled to find open shots and were plagued by costly turnovers as the Gee-Gees extended their lead to 35-25 at halftime.

In the third quarter, Ottawa continued to look inside and the Maroon shooting touch went frosty, as it took Mac almost five minutes of game time to score its first basket.   Danielle Boiago's buzzer-beater from behind halfcourt to end the third period looked terrific, but only brought the score to 52-38 heading to the fourth.

The fourth quarter saw the Ottawa lead grow to 21 points at 59-38, before consecutive treys by Boiago and Abby Hurd got the Marauders within 15.  After an Ottawa timeout, the Gee-Gees drained a three of their own on the next possession and any McMaster momentum vanished, and Ottawa closed out the victory.

As usual the Marauders were led by Hailey Milligan, who scored 17 and grabbed 13 rebounds for her  15th straight  double-double,  and after a slow start Danielle Boiago finished strong to end up with 15. Top shooter for Ottawa was Tatiana Hanlon with 16.

McMaster shot a dismal 26% from the floor, compared to Ottawa's 39%.  The Gee-Gees also  did damage  from long-range hitting 10 of 25 3-point shots  (40%).  Even from the charity stripe the Maroon shooters struggled, making only 12 of 23 attempts.  Ottawa used its size advantage well and won the battle of the boards 50-41.

With the win, Ottawa improved its chances to be awarded an at-large berth to the CIS Nationals being held in Regina next week.

The Marauders finish the year with an overall record of 20 wins and 15 losses, and with the entire roster eligible to return can have some optimism looking toward next season.