In a battle to the playoffs, the McMaster Marauders men's basketball team hosted the Lakehead Thunderwolves. After a tight overtime bound game, the Thunderwolves slipped away holding the win, 80-78.

Giving their all, Nathan Charles posted a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Tyler Garcia dropped 22 points, alongside Mike Demagus with 27.

With the OUA Central standings as close and unpredictable, the matchup was set to go either way. The first 10 minutes of game was a slower start with posted points and both teams saw lower shooting percentages. For the Thunderwovles it was 7-18 and the Marauders 5-21. The Thunderwolves walked out of the quarter slightly pulling away 17-14. Tyler Sagal, Thunderwolves' senior, led his team in the first, however was ejected midway through the second after a tussle. His team carried on the torch and held the lead ending the second 34-28.

Wasting no time, Mike Demagus came out puffing and dunked on the first possession of the second half. Followed by back-to-back layups from Charles and Davis, the Marauders found a balanced score for the first time of the game, 34-34. Picking up the lead, for the first time with 6:30 on the clock, Daniel Graham made huge steal and bullet. After exchanging 6 leads, an and one play from Demagus brought the score to 51-49 for the Marauders. The play continued with both squads fighting tooth and nail. Just under two minutes later, Davies launched a ball, after a pick in the Marauders key, to Demagus down the court for a dunk. Two other consecutive steals and the arauders walked out of the quarter up 59 to 57.

Getting down to the wire, Tyler Garcia was pressing gas. Knocking down a huge 3-pointer, and then running it back with a jumper, he brought the Marauders back on top, 72-71. Lakehead then went on a four point run, giving the Marauders room to chase. Demagus went heavy and posted a three, with an assist from Garcia. Charles then grabbed the defensive rebound to set the play. Demagus whipped up a pick and assist for the wide open three for Garcia, who waited three seconds before launching and drilling. 79-76, Marauders sit on top. The next 30 seconds found yet another tie, and suddenly the game found overtime.

In overtime there were 7 fouls alone, with an additional 40 through regular time. Intensity was high and

neither team was folding. With 6 seconds left, the Marauders found themselves down by three inbounding in the Thunderwolves's zone. Garcia grabbed a layup, but without the foul called, the team fell one point short. In the last second, the Marauders fouled and sent the opponents to the line. The shots fell with a sink and a miss, running out the time. The final score was 90-88 in the Thunderwolves' favour.

What's Next?

The Marauders rematch the Thunderwolves tomorrow night in Burridge at 8pm. After the heat tonight brought, Saturday's match is bound to be fierce.