The McMaster Marauders narrowly lost to the Toronto Varsity Blues in overtime, where the game found a final score of 102-100.

Mike Demagus was the Marauders' top scorer of the match with 27 points and 6 rebounds, however, the stats speak to the team effort the win was. Among Demagus, the other point leaders of the match were AY Osunde with 26, and Nathan Charles with 11 and three assists. Elijah Bethune saw a career best double-double, with 15 points and 10 assists. Callum Baker led all scorers of the match with 32 for the Blues.

For the majority of the first quarter, the men in Maroon steadily held the lead, until an interruption 5 minutes into the game. By the end of the quarter, the Marauders outscored the Varsity Blues 29-23.

The second quarter was the lowest scoring for both teams. However, the Marauders kept shooting their shots and playing strong defense, with 10 rebounds. At half-time, the score stood 45-37 for the Marauders.

Late in the third quarter, the Blues were finding their groove, and attempting to cut down McMaster's consistent lead. Demagus responded to this by hitting a three and drawing a foul to make it a 4-point play.

With one minute remaining in the third quarter, Toronto's Nathan Bureau hit back-to-back threes, a rebound, and a layup to tie the game. Both squads then began trading runs. Once the game found a 67-67 tie, the Marauders called a time-out, and received a technical foul. Toronto found the lead for the first time since five minutes into the game, off the tech given free throw, just 31 seconds before the end of the quarter.

Going into the fourth, down by one, McMaster came back to the court with something to prove.

It was Demagus that hit a solid 3-pt. jump shot with 8:10 left on the clock, bringing the game back to a tie and the lead in arms' reach. With both teams knocking down points back and forth, the match found itself uncomfortably close. The Marauders dug deep and were able to make essential baskets, but the Blues weren't folding. With 26 seconds left, Toronto pulled a spin move right under the net, and found their way to another tied game. With just five seconds left, the Varsity Blues had the perfect opportunity to stun Mac, but fell short, sending the game into overtime.

In a do or die situation, both teams left it all on the court. With 30 seconds to go in the 5th quarter, a Blues' jumper put the Marauders down by four. Following a Marauder timeout, Osunde was fouled in the act of shooting a three - he went two-for-three on his free throws. During Toronto's next possession, McMaster fouled in late-game desperation. With the Varsity Blues missing both of the free throws, it was suddenly a two point game. Driving to the bucket, Charles made the layup, to post 100-100 with 8 seconds to go. Unfavorably for Marauders, the Blues hit a buzzer-beater layup to take the game in OT, 102-100.

What's Next?

The Marauders will play their next game on Wednesday November 8th with an 8 p.m. tip-off, against the TMU Bold.

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