THUNDER BAY, Ont. - The McMaster Marauders men's basketball team made the trek to Thunder Bay for two contests with the Lakehead Thunderwolves. McMaster took the first match-up by an 81-71 scoreline.

The win improves the Marauders to 3-4 while Lakehead moves to 5-2. The two squads will tip-off again up north on Saturday to close out the weekend.

McMaster started the game firing, going up 10-2 early in the opening quarter. The Marauders shot an impressive 11-of-17 from the field for a 64.7% and knocked down three shots from outside the arc to lead 30-16 after ten minutes.

Both teams struggled in the second frame and equaled one another's offense, scoring a combined 24 points between the two. The Thunderwolves recorded the only 3-pointer of the quarter but the maroon and grey maintained their lead and entered the halftime break with a 42-28 advantage.

Lakehead had its best quarter of play in the third, going 9-of-17 from the field and adding three shots from outside the arc to narrow the lead to ten. 

The Marauders and Thunderwolves exchanged baskets in the final quarter but McMaster never relinquished its lead to secure the first road win of the season. The visitors took advantage of mistakes by the host, scoring 18 points off turnovers to Lakehead's nine. The Thunderwolves leaned on their bench, recording 27 of the team's points on Friday night.

Mychael Paulo (Brampton, Ont.) paced the Marauders with 18 points, netting both of his shots from three-point range. Khalil Miller (Scarborough, Ont.) scored 15 points and recorded 15 rebounds to secure the team's only double-double. Mike Demagus (Scarborough, Ont.) and Tyler Garcia (Misissauga, Ont.) were the only other Marauders in double figures with 15 and 13 points, respectively.

Lakehead's Dylan Morrison led the way with 16 points and 11 rebounds. He was 7-11 from the field. 

Next Up 

McMaster will face the Thunderwolves again on Saturday night at 8pm.