On November 11th, we pause to remember those that have fallen in service to their country; in 2016, the date will also see the McMaster men's and women's basketball teams clash with the visiting Lakehead Thunderwolves to open the OUA conference schedule.

Both Marauder teams enter the weekend with perfect records so far in 2016-17.  The Marauder men are 15-0 dating back to their trip to Taiwan in August, while the McMaster women have won all five of their games since tipping off the pre-season in October.   

Both McMaster teams are ranked No. 3 in the latest U Sports National Top-Ten.

An OUA Central Division rival, Lakehead always poses a tough test for the Marauders, but having the Friday and Saturday double-headers in the friendly confines of the Burridge Gym should provide some homecourt comfort. 

Last season McMaster had to make the difficult trip to Thunder Bay and the Mac women were able to sweep the Wolves 71-43 and 73-64.  This year's edition of the Thunderwolves is a fairly senior squad with six players in 4th or 5th-year.  Lakehead further reinforced the roster as Coach Jon Kreiner added three U.S. recruits from the state of Minnesota, so they will pose a tough challenge. 
 
McMaster will counter with All-Canadian Danielle Boiago leading the way, along with fellow 5th-year players Rachael Holmes and Clare Kenny.   Confident in their depth off the bench, expect the Marauders to push the pace and pressure the Wolves defensively.

Things were tougher on the Marauder men last year as they dropped a pair of close decisions to Lakehead by scores of 73-67 and 74-72.   Lakehead men's coach Manny Furtado is a Hamilton native and McMaster graduate, so coming home to play the Marauders is always a big deal and he will have his team prepared to remove the Marauders from the ranks of the undefeated.   OUA All-Stars Henry Tan and Bacarius Dinkins will be the primary threats for Lakehead. 

Through the team's long win streak McMaster has gotten stellar production and leadership from its veteran core of Rohan Boney, Lazar Kojovic, Connor Gilmore and David McCulloch, and that group will have to be at their best to remain undefeated through the weekend series.

The games on Friday and Saturday nights see the women's teams tip-off at 6-pm, followed by men's action at 8-pm.   The games will also be webcast on OUA.tv and carried live on McMaster radio CFMU 93.3 FM.