Box Score HAMILTON, Ont. – The Western Mustangs defeated the McMaster Marauders 72-69 on Saturday afternoon for their 14^th win of the regular season. The win will bring their season record to 14-2 and leave the Marauders tied at 7-7.
 
The Mustangs struggled to keep up with the Marauders for the first half of the game. They would end the second quarter 38-28 for McMaster, and with half the game left, Western had a lot of ground to cover. Forward Olivia Wilson continued to score for the Marauders from outside the post, assisting the Maroon and White as they neared 45 points with six minutes remaining in the third quarter. A foul against Rachel Fragdley enabled the Mustangs to help close the gap, and with 4 minutes left, the 'Stangs trailed only by 4. Marauder Arianne Soriano went two for two on her free-throws, but Elizabeth Leblanc retaliated with a sharp pass to Horst that led to an undefended layup. The Mustangs would enter the fourth quarter behind by a single basket to overcome the Marauders and take the W.
 
While the Marauders had a strong offense, their excessive passing led them to running out of time on the shot clock. Arianne Saumure tied up the game 56-56, but only for a minute. Guard Julia Hanaka put the Marauders back in the lead by 3, but with 6 minutes left, the Mustangs would have more than enough time to make up the difference. Horst put the 'Stangs in the lead with a foul shot, Morgan Tamminga pushed that lead to three points with another basket, and Fradgley would turn that small gap into a margin by pushing the 'Stangs to 66 with the Marauders behind by 5.
 
With a 7-point lead and 70 seconds remaining, the Mustangs looked to run the clock. Christina Buttenham brought the Marauders within two points with successful free throws and, losing their lead, the Mustangs called for a time out. With 16 seconds left it became a two-point game. Maddy Horst brought the 'Stangs to their final of 72 with a free throw, and with no clock awareness, the Marauders failed to shoot in time to come back from their three-point deficit.
 
The Mustangs will return to the court on Wednesday, January 22^nd, at home court in Alumni Hall. They are scheduled to face off against the Guelph Gryphons at 6:00 P.M EST.