The Marauders opened their OUA season with a win against the Laurier Golden Hawks, going 75-72.
 
Mike Demagus with 22 points, led all scorers in the game, while dishing out 3 assists and snatching nine rebounds. Third-year guard Elijah Bethune put up strong numbers with 10 points, five forced turnovers and 4 steals.
 
The Marauders came into the first quarter with hustle. Nathan Charles went 2-2 from the field and 1-1 on threes, with 2 defensive rebounds in his 9 minutes on the court. Despite the Golden Hawks clawing 5 steals, the men in Maroon went to outscore them 24-20 in the first. Bethune came to life in the second quarter, stacking stats with 2 3-pointers, 3 jumpers, a couple of steals and turn overs. The squad collectively was controlling the board, securing 14 rebounds in the quarter. Entering the second quarter, the squad had edged the lead, and in the 10 minute quarter ahead, gave their efforts to clinching it. It was a 3-pointer with 40 seconds remaining to the quarter that gave Laurier their first lead since the game was, 12-14 in the first. Charles responded with a layup to return the lead to McMaster at 41-40.
 
The third quarter was a very close rally. With the entire quarter keeping between a 6 point differential, and the Marauders guarding the lead for the full 10 minutes. It was low scoring and highly defensive, finding a 56-51 end for the Marauders.
 
The Golden Hawks once again picked up the lead in the 4th, when the game saw a 59-59 tie. A foul gave Moody Qasim the chance to steal back the lead, and with the basket and one both landing, the Marauders were back up 65-64. Soon after, the games time ran and the visitors took the W 75-72.
 
McMaster finished the game shooting 39.4% from the floor and 37.9% from beyond the arc while Laurier went to 28% from the field and 17.6 per cent from 3-point range.
 
What's Next?
 
The McMaster Marauders will take on the Varsity Blues on the road on Saturday November 4th at 8pm.

For the latest news and updates on the McMaster Marauders, follow @mcmastersports on social media or visit www.marauders.ca.