Box Score Knocking down their third ranked opponent in their last five games, the McMaster Marauders women's basketball team showed the Ryerson Rams why they are the defending U Sports champions, coming away with an overtime win 81-77 in Toronto on Wednesday night.
 
Five Marauder three-pointers, a pair from Button and Gates, as well as Rigas-DiDomenico, got the visitors out to an early 19-12 lead. The Maroon went on to shoot 40% from the three in the first half, with Button knocking down her third triple to lead all scorers with 11 heading into halftime.
 
The No. 4 Rams came out of the huddle a different team, outscoring the Marauders 27-16, flipping the script and heading into the fourth up 58-53. With the game on the line big shots from DiDomenico and Gates kept their side in it, and with 14 secs left on the clock, and the Rams up 70-68, Christina Buttenham all but assured there would be overtime.
 
After making a strong cut to the basket, third-year guard Mia Spadafora inbounded a perfect pass for Buttenham to layup the tying bucket.
 
But she wasn't done there. Buttenham went on to score the Marauders first eight out of 11 points in the extra frame, getting her team out to a 78-72 start. Free-throws from Spadafora, and Olivia Wilson iced the game, securing the upset.
 
Buttenham led all scorers with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and an astounding seven steals, Gates poured in 19 points, while Button dropped 15 points and picked up five boards. Wilson led all players with six assists, and Spadafora produced eight points and grabbed nine rebounds – A team effort through and through.
 
The Marauders are now 10-7 on the season after winning their last four of five, while the Rams pick up their fourth loss of the season.
 
NEXT UP: The Marauders return home this Saturday to take on the York Lions for their final game at the Burridge Gym for the regular season. Tip-off is scheduled for 1pm.