The return of a star, and a consistent performance from the first to last whistle, saw the Marauders open 2018 in some style.
In her first appearance since being derailed by injury in November,
Linnaea Harper posted a team high 16 points to lead McMaster (7-4) to a 64-52 win over the OUA West-leading Windsor Lancers (8-3) Wednesday at Burridge Gym.
The OUA All-Star hit 50 per cent of her shots from the floor, and added four assists in 30 minutes of action.
With the win, the Marauders took temporary control of second spot in the OUA West.
On a night characterized by balanced contributions on the McMaster side, four Marauders players entered double digits in points in the win, with
Erin Burns (11),
Olivia Wilson (11) and
Sarah Gates (10) joining Harper.
Windsor's Emily Prevost was the night's leading scorer, racing out to a tally of 20 points in the first half of play before cooling in the second en route to a final total of 23.
But McMaster held their visitors to just 31 per cent from the field, and notched five blocks as a group.
Often within the striking distance of a one or two-basket deficit, the Lancers never led in Wednesday's contest. Indeed, Wilson's game-opening basket in the opening minute gave the Marauders a lead which was never completely erased.
Prevost's 20-point effort in the opening half helped the Lancers close to within three points of the Marauders at the halftime break, with everything left to play for at 34-31.
But as Windsor's offensive outlets dropped away in the second half, McMaster remained effective through multiple options, and their lead swelled to nine through three quarters of play.
The best chance of a comeback came with 3:30 to play, as the Lancers Jordan Gutt capped a strong stretch of play with a jumper to bring her team within five at 57-52, and the Marauders missed two looks at the other end.
But a pair of missed Windsor shots were punished by a make from
Lexie Spadafora at the other end, effectively putting the game beyond reach.
NEXT UP: McMaster hosts the 'Pack the House' Saturday, January 6, as the Brock Badgers visit Burridge Gym. Tip off is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
