HAMILTON, Ont. -
With just two games remaining on the OUA men's basketball schedule before the winter break, the McMaster Marauders sit at 3-5 in fifth spot in the OUA Central division. Their final contests before the December break will be this Wednesday November 30 on the road against the Guelph Gryphons at 8pm and in Toronto versus the York Lions on Saturday December 3 at 8pm.
McMaster at Guelph
Guelph Gryphons Athletic Centre | Guelph, Ont.
November 30th, 2022 @ 8pm
McMaster at York
Tait McKenzie Centre | Toronto, Ont.
December 3rd, 2022 @ 8pm
McMaster and Guelph last met during the 2021-22 season on November 13, 2021 in Hamilton. The two teams combined for 174 points that night with the Marauders taking the game by a final score line of 92-82.
Mike Demagus led all players in points scored with 26 in his 23 minutes of play that contest, while also shooting 64.3% from field goal range. The Gryphons opened the 2022-23 season with three losses but have since won three straight games against the York Lions and Algoma Thunderbirds to sit at 3-3 in the OUA standings. Guelph lost two of this season's contests by single digits so will look to show up on Wednesday night and earn a win to move above .500.
The Marauders and Lions are already familiar with one another, meeting just a few weeks ago in McMaster's home opener. The maroon and grey squad secured an 89-61 victory on home court in Burridge Gymnasium on November 11, 2022 and will look to continue that momentum this weekend. The York Lions have had a tough start to the 2022-23 OUA campaign, earning just one win over the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks in seven games played. The Lions are coming off of three straight losses to the Toronto Varsity Blues, Guelph Gryphons and Brock Badgers but two were close games, within ten points. This weekend, the Lions will look to come out on the right side of the scoreboard.
The maroon and grey had a long travel weekend last week, trekking it to Thunder Bay for two contests with the Thunderwolves. The Marauders returned home with a 1-1 record and will look to finish out the season with two wins to improve to .500 to close out 2022.
Last Time Out
After dropping the Lakehead Thunderwolves on Friday night, things didn't go the way of the Marauders on Saturday. Both teams knocked down shots early in the contest, combining for 26 made baskets in the opening quarter. The Marauders and Thunderwolves shot well over their season averages from the field to start the game, recording 66.7% and 57.1%, respectively. After ten minutes of play, the Marauders led 27-21. The offence was well on display in the second stanza but McMaster struggled to contain Lakehead on defence. The Thunderwolves put up a season high 37 points in the second quarter to hold a 58-53 advantage at the halftime break. In the third quarter, the Marauders struggled to score from outside the arc and at the line, recording just 13 points to the Thunderwolves' 21. Down 13 headed into the final frame, McMaster had a difficult quarter and was unable to threaten the Lakehead lead. The Thunderwolves secured the victory in convincing fashion - 107-85.
Players to Watch
Guelph Gryphons
#11 Emmanuel Ansah, 4th Year (Elig.), Guard/Forward
- Team leader with 17.0 PPG
- Ranks eleventh in the conference with a 80 FT%
- Shoots 33.3% from three-point range
#42 Viktoras Nausedas, 3rd Year (Elig.), Forward
- Ranks third in the OUA with a 63.3 FG%
- Has recorded six steals this season
- Averages 5.2 rebounds per game
York Lions
#0 Prince Kamunga, 5th Year (Elig.), Guard
- Ranks fourth in the OUA in blocks (9)
- Has recorded 51 defensive rebounds this season
- Ranks fifth in the conference in PPG with 18.6
#1 Somto Dimanochie, 4th Year (Elig.), Forward
- Averages 16.3 PPG
- Has total of 27 rebounds on the season
- Shoots 42.6% from the field
McMaster Marauders
#21 Mike Demagus, 3rd Year (Elig.), Guard
- Averages 13.0 PPG
- Has 17 assists this season
- Shoots 67.9% from the line
#31 Mychael Paulo, 5th Year (Elig.), Guard
- Sits in the Top 20 in the OUA in assists with 21
- Has recorded 18 three-pointers this season
- Leads the team with 14.5 points per game
Wednesday's Game Coverage
Watch Live:
https://oua.yaretv.com/
Twitter: @McMasterSports
Instagram: @mcmastermbb
Saturday's Game Coverage
Watch Live:
https://oua.yaretv.com/
Twitter: @McMasterSports
Instagram: @mcmastermbb
For the latest news and updates on the McMaster Marauders, follow @mcmastersports on social media or visit www.marauders.ca.
