The McMaster women's basketball team grabbed an early lead, gave it up, and then rallied over the final two quarters to defeat the Brock Badgers 70-61 Friday night in St. Catharines.

The Marauders looked to be well in control after an opening quarter that saw them outscore the home team 21-10.

But playing in front of their own fans saw the Badgers claw back in the second quarter.  McMaster only scored five points, and Brock closed with a run that saw the teams tied at 26-26 heading to intermission.

The third quarter saw McMaster get back on track and the Maroon won the quarter 19-12 to carry a 45-38 advantage into the final 10 minutes.

In the fourth quarter the Marauders got off to a quick start and bumped the lead up to 65-50 with under three minutes to go.  Sarah Gates made a couple of big shots to help McMaster grow the lead.  A couple of late threes from Brock's Ana Caldeira got the Badgers within nine points but no closer.

Gates was the top Mac shooter with 17 for the game, while also grabbing 12 rebounds for the double-double.  Jelena Mamic dropped 16, Olivia Wilson added 14, and Julia Hanaka chipped in 10 for McMaster.  Caldeira led the Badgers with 17.

The Marauders improve to 6 and 2 in the OUA West Division, and will now prepare to face undefeated Carleton next Friday, December 1, in the Burridge Gym.  Tip-off will be at 6-pm.