Box Score Despite trailing most of the game, the McMaster men's basketball team made a strong push in the second half, but couldn't complete the comeback, falling 65-57 against the Toronto Varsity Blues on Saturday afternoon.
 
The Marauders came out to a strong start defensively, but Toronto picked things up midway through the first quarter by going on a 13-2 run. David McCulloch knocked down a triple with one-minute left to stop the run but the Marauders went into the second quarter trailing 17-13.
 
The Marauders struggled offensively in the second stanza, but played stellar defence to keep themselves in the game, as they went into halftime down 30-23.
 
To start the third quarter Connor Gilmore put the team on his back. He scored 13 points in the quarter and did a great job of getting to the rim, going 8-8 from the free throw line. The Marauders won the quarter but still went into the fourth down five at 45-40.

In the final frame Marauder Lazar Kojovic knocked down a three-pointer with eight minutes remaining in the game to tie the score at 45 apiece.
 
However, Toronto immediately responded, going on a 14-2 run to extend their lead back up to 12 points with just four minutes remaining. The Marauders chipped away at the lead getting as close as four with just under a minute left in the game, but were forced to foul and Toronto made its free-throws in the eight-point loss.
 
Connor Gilmore led McMaster in scoring with 19 points and seven boards. Lazar Kojovic added 14 points, while David McCulloch scored 11 in the game.
 
The Mac shooting stroke wasn't there on this day as the Marauders shot only 28% from the field for the game, compared to 40% from Toronto.  The loss drops McMaster's OUA record to under .500 for the first time all season at 7 wins and 8 losses.
 
The Marauders will head home and prepare for their game next Saturday afternoon against Waterloo. Tip-off in the Burridge Gym is at 2-pm.
 
The game can be streamed online at OUA.tv and is on radio on CFMU 93.3FM
 
By Jonah Tuck