It is difficult to beat a quality opponent on back-to-back nights, but the McMaster men's basketball team used a gritty fourth-quarter to beat visiting Lakehead 81-73 on Saturday and sweep the weekend series.

With some Hamilton-presence on the roster, Lakehead had some local support as well as extra incentive to perform well before family and friends.
The Thunderwolves came out determined to avenge the previous night's defeat, and took an 18-16 lead, when Jamar Coke (from Hamilton) made a long 3-pointer right at the end of the first quarter. 

In the second quarter McMaster regained the lead, and behind some nice shooting from Joe Rocca, who drained consecutive treys, went into the intermission leading 35-29.  

The third quarter saw McMaster start strong and the lead got into double-digits, before Lakehead stole back the momentum.  Pushing the ball and attacking the rim relentlessly, the Thunderwolves were able to tie the game at 57-57 heading to the final stanza.

Not wanting to drop a game to a division foe, McMaster came out and controlled the fourth quarter, opening a six-point lead early.  Lakehead was able to close to within three points, but could get no closer as the Marauders got some big shots from David McCulloch, Rohan Boney and Taylor Black.  McMaster made its free-throws down the stretch and completed the eight-point win.

Five Marauders scored in double figures, led by Rocca with 20, Leon Alexander with 16, and Black, Boney and McCulloch all dropping 10.  Black also grabbed 13 boards for the double-double.  Lakehead got a 23-point performance from Coke, while Anthony McIntosh scored 15.

McMaster won the rebound battle 44-36, which was much closer than Friday's game.  In a game this close, Lakehead may look to its free-throw shooting with regret as the Wolves only made 13 of 24 from the charity stripe, while the Marauders connected on 21 of 24 foul shots.

After the weekend sweep, McMaster and Lakehead are tied in the OUA Central Division, with 2 and 2 records.

McMaster will go on the road on November 19^th to face another division rival, the Brock Badgers.