In the past decade of matchups with the Blues, the Marauders have gone 10-1, adding one win to the record tonight as the McMaster Marauders defeat the Toronto Varsity Blues 84-41.
The Marauders started the game off hot hoping to shake the Varsity Blues. A 7 point run for the Marauders within 3 minutes of the first did just that, leaving the opponents unable to come back. The first quarter serge earned the ladies in Maroon a 19-8 lead, providing a cushion going into the second.
With a dry spell for successful baskets in the second, the Marauders continued to capitalize on free balls, grabbing 11 rebounds, and taking 24 shots from inside the paint. While only 9 found the mesh, McMaster outscored Toronto 19-12 in the quarter, putting the game at 38-20 for Mac.
In the first half, neither teams saw great percentages from outside the arch, as McMaster shot 2 of 10, and Toronto with 3 of 13.
Regrouping after halftime, the Marauders came back and cashed in a huge scoring quarter. In the third quarter alone, McMaster put up 29 points, which was how many the Blues had in total, up until the fourth quarter. The third quarter also saw the Marauders largest lead of the game, for 34 points lifted above the Blues.
The fourth quarter sealed the game, while McMaster tightened up their in-the-paint stat to 46.2%, 31.8% on 3-pointers and 100% for free throws.
The ladies in Maroon spread the ball around, with multiple players putting up double digits in points: Emily Frankovic, Cassie Joli-Coeur and Amy Stinson.
Frankovic not only sunk 18 points for her team, but grabbed 4 rebounds, an assist and a block. Joli-Coeur was instrumental in tonight's win, on defense with 14 rebounds plus two steals, and on offense with 16 points and two assists. The full McMaster team delivered, keeping the lead the entire game and sealing the win.
What's Next?
The Marauders will play in one last road game on Wednesday November 8th against TMU Bold, before heading home for a four game home stretch.
The Marauders are at now at 2-0, in the 2023 OUA Regular Season.
For the latest news and updates on the McMaster Marauders, follow @mcmastersports on social media or visit www.marauders.ca.
