Opening the first-round of the Critelli Cup in nail-biting fashion, the McMaster Marauders women's basketball team needed overtime to clinch the win over the Guelph Gryphons, 93-88, at the Gryphons Athletic Centre on Wednesday night.

Heading to the fourth quarter, with the score tied at 80-80 with 18 seconds left in regulation, Christina Buttenham knocked down a dagger of a jump shot to give the Marauders a two-point lead. The Gryphons called a timeout, and advanced the ball passed half court on the next possession – their saving grace with four seconds remaining.

Gryphons guard Ivana Vujadinovic caught the inbound in the Marauders paint. Turning right,  the third-year guard threw up a prayer of a layup that bounced in as time expired sending both teams to the extra frame.

With five minutes to decide their playoff lives, the Marauders took complete control of overtime. The pair of Buttenham, and first-year guard Jenna Button, exploded for all 11 of the Marauders points in the period, ultimately outscoring their opponents 11-6.

A Mia Spadafora steal led to Buttenham's first jumper in the extra period – just two of her career-high 36 points on the night. Button chimed in with a shot of her own, followed by another Buttenham jump shot to cap a 6-0 run to open the overtime period.

The Gryphons knocked down a free-throw to cut the lead and end the run, but Button crushed any hope of a comeback for the home team, knocking down a three-point shot that silenced the gym.

The pair, along with Sarah Gates, each played 39 minutes in this back-and-forth tilt. Button was good for 14 points, and six rebounds, while Gates went for 16 points, 10 of which came in the second half.

Buttenham's career-high 36 points were even more impressively complemented by a career-high 16 rebounds en route to the victory.

The Marauders opened the first quarter off with a strong 30-23 point lead, and carried the seven-point margin into the halftime break. Spadafora and Tori Rigas-Didomenico were sparks off the bench, contributing six and nine points, respectively.

The Gryphons started their run late, and closed out the fourth quarter outscoring the Marauders 24-15 in the penultimate frame alone.

NEXT UP: The Marauders now advance to the quarterfinal stages of the Critelli cup playoffs, and will take on the top-seeded Western Mustangs on the road at 12pm in London, Ont.