This Saturday evening, the Waterloo Warriors faced off against the McMaster Marauders at the Burridge Gymnasium in a competitive OUA match up.

The Warriors came out strong in the opening quarter, jumping to an early 8-0 lead. Midway through the quarter, the Marauders managed to even the score at 14-14 before taking their first lead at 16-14 after sinking two free throws. The Warriors quickly answered with their own free throws to tie the game at 16-16. The quarter ended in a stalemate, 19-19.

The second quarter was a back and forth defensive battle, defined by strong plays on both ends. Waterloo's Nehita Oko-Oboh (Ottawa, ON) contributed crucial blocks early in the quarter, bolstering the team's defensive identity. Scoring slowed as both teams traded baskets without gaining significant momentum. At halftime, the game remained tied at 32-32. Waterloo's dominance on the boards, leading 25-14 in rebounds, highlighted their emphasis on maintaining possession.

The third quarter saw both teams looking to take control. High defensive pressure carried over from the first half, but Waterloo's Jaimesen Newell (Brussels, ON) stood out offensively, converting key opportunities to keep the Warriors competitive. Despite their efforts, the Marauders edged ahead, finishing the quarter with a 45-39 lead.

In the fourth quarter, McMaster extended their lead to double digits within the first minute. Waterloo worked to close the gap, but the Marauders' strong defense held firm. The game concluded with a 59-53 victory for McMaster. Although the Warriors came up short, their effort was commendable, with three quarters ending in ties against a formidable opponent.

This match up showcased two disciplined and determined teams with the tools to excel in OUA basketball. The Warriors will look to build on this performance as they prepare to face the Laurier Golden Hawks next weekend.