The upcoming weekend could prove to be very impactful for both of McMaster's basketball teams, as the men's and women's squads will entertain the strong sides from Ottawa and Carleton on Friday and Saturday nights, respectively.

The Marauder men will be looking to bounce back after dropping two games to Lakehead two weeks ago in Thunder Bay.  With a week off to rest and rehab minor injuries,  the men in maroon will face the No. 2 (Ottawa) and No. 3 (Carleton) teams in the national rankings on back-to-back nights.  McMaster moved up to No. 6 in the top-ten, despite not playing last week.

The two teams from the Nation's capital  have been among the top-ranked men's teams in Canada all year, and for several seasons.  Carleton is currently riding a streak of having won the last five CIS Championships.

With the OUA playoff seeding being decided by Ratings Percentage Index (RPI) these games are very important for the Marauders, as they sit 7th overall in the RPI.  The top four teams in the RPI get a first-round playoff bye.   Ottawa and Carleton are both in the top three for RPI, so they also know the importance of the weekend contests.

Tip-off in the Burridge Gym is set for 8-PM on Friday and Saturday.
 
The Marauder women are in the same boat as their male counterparts with regard to playoff implications from the weekend clashes with Ottawa and Carleton, as they occupy the top two spots in the RPI seeding.  McMaster currently sits in 5th-spot and would like to get into the top-four to get the first-round bye.

Looking at the national rankings the Marauders are higher ranked at No. 7 in the top-ten, while Ottawa is No. 9 and Carleton is unranked.  McMaster played Ottawa earlier this year at the Laval tournament and the Gee-Gees came back from a 4th-quarter deficit to edge the Marauders 63-61.  Mac will hope that home court and fan support will help them win the re-match on Friday night.

The women's games will start the doubleheaders on both nights with 6-PM start times.

Both doubleheaders are part of McMaster's THINK PINK week, in support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, and there will be contests and activities to help raise funds in support of a great cause.