The McMaster Marauders men's basketball team showed up seeking redemption and came out on top with a 75-70 win against the previously undefeated Brock Badgers on Saturday afternoon in Burridge Gym.  

Saturday was one of two Black History Month games day events. These games spotlighted local Black-owned businesses and resources for Black students at McMaster, including the Black Student Athlete Council (BSAC), the Black Student Success Center (BSSC) and the Black Students Association (BSA). Abi Oladesu was also featured singing the Black and Canadian anthem to open the games. Later this week, a panel highlighting local Black Hamilton legends, titled Black at Mac: Giving Back, will fall between the games on the evening of Wednesday, Feb. 23rd. 

Sefa Otchere led the Marauders in points by picking up 18 points, tying his own season record. Jordan Henry put up 17 points, right alongside his teammate. With some big contributions, first-year forward Ares Culley-Bremner led the team with eight rebounds and three blocks. 

In the first quarter, the Marauders picked up the early lead, hitting 20 points against the Badgers. Henry and Otchere were looking strong, each sinking three pointers.

In the second, the Marauders held the lead for the first five minutes but struggled to maintain it. They put up 17 points, but couldn't quite keep up with the Badgers, who sunk 25 points. With the shift in the lead, the team fought to close the gap. They went into the second half trailing by four, hungry for redemption. 

Going into the final frame, the team brought the intensity that radiated through the Marauders stands. Culley-Bremner was making waves with two back-to-back rebounds, bringing the Marauders ahead with a two-point lead late in the fourth. The team came up with five steals, two blocks and seven defensive rebounds to turn the score in their favor. Finishing the game with two consecutive sets of free throws made by Jordan Henry, he lit up the gym to secure the win. 

The men in Maroon now stand at a 7-3 record, while pushing the Badgers to their first loss of the season, with a 9-1 record. The Marauders keep their seat as second in the OUA West Division.

Catch the Marauders at their next game as they take on the Windsor Lancers in Burridge at 8pm.