The McMaster Marauders men's basketball team protected home court taking the Toronto Varsity Blues 80-78.
Daniel Graham had a career-best of 16 points, in his 18 minutes of play, alongside teammate Moody Qasim, who also career-bested 16 points, six rebounds, and two steals. Nathan Charles also had a career-high of 4 blocks, while also posting eight points, seven rebounds and four assists.
After the teams exchanged advantages, the Marauders found a lead in the fourth minute and kept it until the 3rd quarter. They led 25-13 after the first quarter, having hit just 13 of their 30 but all 3 free throw attempts and four 3-pointers. The Marauders pushed the lead to as many as 13 a handful of times in the 2nd quarter, but it was Mike Demagus' pair of free throws that capped the quarter with a 12-point lead, 42-30.
The return after half brought a new Blues crew, showing a grind the Marauders had yet to find from the Blues this season. The Blues outscored the Marauders going 27-18, respectively. In the process of being outdone, the Marauders lost the lead they had guarded since four minutes into the game. With the third quarter nearing its last two possessions, the squad regained their momentum. Charles grabbed a steal with 33 seconds left and launched it to Raiz Saliu, who landed it and brought the lead back, 58-57. Running it back, with 11 seconds remaining, Demagus stole it again and hit AY Osunde who popped it in. Marauders lead 60-57 going into the last quarter.
In the lowest scoring quarter for both teams combined, the defense was very emphasized. When the Marauders found a six-point lead once again, Toronto was fouled in the act of shooting and headed to the line for three. With just minutes remaining, the Blues sunk all shots and the game was stressfully close. Osunde found a rebound and tip to bring in two more points for Mac. Toronto was grasping at straws, running fouls back to back, but it was unsuccessful as McMaster came out on top 80-78.
For the game, the Marauders outscored Toronto 29-27 in the paint and 11 3-pointers to the Blues' seven. In a hard-fought game, the Marauders came on top for their home opener of the 2023 season.
What's Next?
Returning to Burridge on Friday, November 17th, the squad will face off against the Windsor Lancers.
For the latest news and updates on the McMaster Marauders, follow @mcmastersports on social media or visit www.marauders.ca.
