Women’s – 1:00 p.m.

With the postseason just five more games away, the women’s side continues to try and bolster their case for an advantageous seeding playoffs. An 8-8 record allows the Mustangs to hold on to fourth in the OUA with Laurier and McMaster both fighting for the third seed behind powerhouse contenders Windsor and Brock.

Head coach Brian Cheng’s team is led by the talented veteran backcourt duo Jenny Vaughan and Laura Dally. Vaughan continues to be one of the highest scoring players in the OUA while Dally has evolved into one of the best all-around players in the league, tallying her first career triple-double at any level earlier this season while becoming her team’s second-best scoring option.

While a steady veteran presence has anchored the team this season, the emergence of young players like second-year forward Emma Nieuwenhuizen (16.5  PPG over last two appearances) and first-year Mara Greunke (12.5 PPG and 5.5 RPG over last two appearances).

The continued growth of Greunke will be crucial for a Mustangs team looking to make a big step forward and turn some heads around the league. The alumna of Germany’s national program has steadily improved each game this season and is starting to look comfortable in her role with the team.
 
Men’s – 3:00 p.m.

The men’s side will look for positive growth versus a mid-level McMaster program. Neither team boasts an OUA top-20-ranked scorer, but both will be looking to make a statement with a big win against the other. McMaster will look to improve their playoff positioning with their second win versus Western this season, while Western will now take on the role of spoiler with the chance at a postseason berth losing traction.

Head coach Brad Campbell’s team has had its fair share of struggles earlier this season, one that has been marked with several close loses that have only served to bond and unite a very young Mustangs squad. The team features seven new players in their first year of studies at Western.

The team will be led by the veteran presence of third-year forward Peter Scholtes, third-year guard Quinn Henderson and fourth-year forward Adam Jespersen.

The Marauders are in a similar position as the Mustangs, with a host of young players filling out their rosters. Still, their veterans have given them a real chance to win games in the present while their future continues to develop in fewer game minutes. Anchoring the team is 6’7 center Taylor Black and his 14.1 points per game and 6.9 rebounds per game, while guard Scott Laws provides a deft shooting touch from long range as a secondary scoring option.

A concerted effort will be needed to halt McMaster in their tracks on their way to a favourable playoff position.