Just managing to keep their necks out in front, through three offensively-explosive quarters between two of the nation's top five teams, the Marauders ultimately fell off the pace set by the Ryerson Rams in the final 10 minutes Friday.

The U SPORTS #3-ranked Marauders held a narrow lead over the #2-ranked Rams for the majority of the game, including a 66-63 lead through three quarters, but were outscored by 12 in the fourth to fall 89-80.

The loss was the first of the season for McMaster (5-1), while Ryerson (6-0) maintained its spotless start to the 2018-19 campaign.

Marauders guard Sarah Gates led all scorers by posting a total of 24 points for the third consecutive game on Friday, having set a new career high with that tally a week earlier in North Bay. Gates shot nine of 14 from the field and four of seven from three-point range, knocking down both free throws she took for good measure.

With her performance, Gates inched into second place in the OUA's scoring charts with an average of 20.3 points per game.

While the Marauders enjoyed superior shooting to their opponents, the Rams ultimately swung the game from close range, out-rebounding the hosts 49-28 and getting to the free throw line 32 times to the Marauders 10.

NEXT UP: McMaster will look to bounce back Saturday, as the Marauders close out the weekend homestand against the Toronto Varsity Blues, with tip off scheduled for 6:00 p.m.