McMaster Marauder
G a m e C o m m e n t a r y

Coach Raso welcomes this independant evaluation and dialogue concerning the performance and progress of his team (even when he may disagree with them).

Also, see the official game report for this game.

By: Dale Stevens

The Burridge Gym was packed to the rafters on Saturday afternoon, as two of the hottest, and two of the best teams in the CIAU clashed for the OUA West title. The nation's 2nd ranked Western Ontario Mustangs came into the contest winners of 13 straight, while the #5 McMaster Marauders had won 12 in a row. Both teams had lost only 3 times all year against CIAU competition.

In the end, a hard fought defensive struggle resulted in a Western victory, by a 64-55 margin. With the win, the Mustangs assure themselves of an place in the CIAU Final 8, while the Marauders must await a possible Wild Card invitation, something that is certainly within reach, given their fine season.

Early on, it was all Western. The visitors opened up a 12-2 lead 4 minutes in, on the strength of some easy looks inside. But the Marauders fought back, as Rodney Baptiste hit a "3", and Steve Maga canned 2 bombs of his own in succession, to cut the deficit to 15-13. The Mustangs weren't fazed however, and continued to pound the ball inside, opening up a 26-15 lead at the midway point of the opening 20 minutes. From there, the Maroon and Grey tightened up the defense, allowing only 9 Western points in the final 10 minutes of the half, going into the locker room behind 35-28.

The Marauders continued to play excellent defense early in the second half, cutting the margin to 43-41 with 12 minutes to play. Mac had two chances to take their first lead, but were unable to convert, as the 'Stangs also started to assert themselves on the defensive end. A big 3-pointer from freshman Nick Salomons, and a subsequent Mac foul, allowed Western to regain their 7-point lead. McMaster continued to clamp down on defense, but Western did likewise. The Marauders climbed to within 3 points with 5 minutes to play (50-47), but weren't able to tie it, and the 'Stangs went on to the victory.

Chris Brown led the way for the visitors. The big man, who was somehow overlooked for conference all-star honours, was the answer on this day for Western, leading the way with 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks. As he has done all year, Andy Kwiatkowski led the 'Stangs on the scoresheet, netting 17 points, while adding 8 boards. Salomons' 9 point contribution in only 6 minutes of action was a key to Western's win.

For the Marauders, Steve Maga led all scorers with 18 points. Rodney Baptiste added 12 points and 5 rebounds. But, it was the contribution of Justin Boye that stood out. The junior forward continues to be one of the best "sixth men" in the country, and on this day, his 9 point, 8 rebound effort sparked his team, and led to his selection as the Courtside Club Player of the Game. The Marauders can take solice in the fact that they held Western to such a low output, given Western season average of more than 90 points per game. Unfortunately for them, they were unable to take advantage offensively, thanks in large part to solid play by the visitors.

As mentioned, Western now begins preparations for the CIAU Final 8, beginning March 16th in Halifax. First however, the 'Stangs will host the 4th ranked Carleton Ravens next Saturday afternoon at Alumni Hall in London, for the Wilson Cup, emblematic of OUA basketball supremacy. For the McMaster Marauders, it's a week of practice as well, hoping that next Sunday evening, they will receive the phone call informing them of a Wild Card selection.

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