Coming back from as much as 13, the McMaster Marauders men's basketball team trumped the Winsor Lancers 73-70.

In a nail-biting matchup, Mike Demagus led the Marauders and tied to lead all scorers with 22, however, 12 points were made from free throws. Moody Qasim played a great game with 17 points, two assists and seven rebounds. 

Despite relatively high points in the first and second quarters, Windsor won the first half. In the second quarter, both Windsor and McMaster found 7-17 from the field, but it was 3-pointers that set the Lancers on top. The first half came to a close with the Lancers leading 44-37 while holding the overall lead since the score was 2-2. 

The 3rd quarter brought the largest lead for the Lancers however, it also brought the beginning of the Marauders' comeback. Just two minutes in, Windsor made a layup, guiding 13 points, which set the home team off. Four layups, two free throws, and two 3-pointers later, the Marauders went on a 16-0 run, with 7 straight points from Qasim. The squad found the lead, but also the momentum. 

The fourth saw high levels of defence, with both teams playing half-court. Emotions also began running high as players, benches and roars from the crowd began questioning the referee's calls. After three back-back fouls, the Marauders needed something to break the pattern, and Riaz Saliu hit a crazy block, which not only took the ball but Windsor's rhythm. 

With 25 seconds on the clock, Windsor found themselves down by one. They attempted a layup, which was unsuccessful. They then fouled to send Demagus back to the line. The two shots put McMaster up by 3, making it too late for the Lancers.

Rounding off the game, both teams put up 23 field goals, it was the Lancers' threes with 11, as opposed to the Marauders' 5, and the Marauders' 22 free throws over the Lancers' 13, that kept both teams in the running. 

The Marauders take the game and are back to above .500. 

What's Next?

The Marauders return to action on Saturday, November 18th at 8 pm to take on the Western Mustangs in Burridge Gymnasium.