HAMILTON, ON - It was a close game throughout but ultimately the Western Mustangs fell to the McMaster Marauders by 11, with Mustang MacKeely Shantz recording her third double-double of the season.
Western were quick to start the game on a good note, scoring the first seven points of the match, while holding the Marauders off the board in the opening minutes.
It was a strong scoring night once more for Mustang Emily Capretta, as she came charging out the gate putting up 13 of the team's first 17 points.
McMaster did not back down, displaying a powerful defense against Western consistently through the opening quarter, causing numerous turnovers against the Mustangs which they then used to capitalize off fast-break points bringing the margin closer.
Western, however, were doing a great job of fighting hard down low for the rebound for those defensive rebounds, and second chance points to hold a narrow lead to end the first quarter up 19-17.
This first half of the game was characterized by consistent fast-paced intensity and precision, with both teams putting up a strong fight.
Mac drilled a three from deep allowing them to grab their first lead of the night to begin the second quarter, which was immediately countered with a similar play from Paris Alexander and the Mustangs.
Despite the initial run from Western, both teams continued to pass the lead back-and-forth between them, with McMaster continuing to be quick on the fast break, and the Mustangs precise in their offensive plays, creating space and quickly moving the ball with accuracy
It was an intensely competitive first half, and at its conclusion, the Mustangs were in the lead up by two again, at 46-44.
The second half of the night was a different story, with the third quarter opening very similar to the second, with both teams switching the lead back and forth.
Unfortunately the third quarter was markedly different as the Marauders began to see more accuracy in their shooting and slowly crept forward with the lead.
With only one minute remaining in the quarter the Mustangs were trailing by seven, the largest margin of the night so far, where they ended the quarter down 69-62.
Western was fighting hard throughout the final quarter, despite trailing for the remainder of the match, they were still displaying excellent skill, performing incredibly well as a unit, just unable to recover from the third quarter deficit.
McMaster extended their lead up to 11 points with less than three minutes remaining, and as the game came to a close, the Marauders ultimately defeated the Mustangs to maintain their undefeated at home status so far this season, with a final score of 84-73.
Shantz had a remarkable game, recording yet another double-double performance, with 16 points and 10 rebounds, as Capretta led the charge in scoring, putting up 27 of the Mustangs total.
Western will be back on the road again next week as they head to Thunder Bay to face the Lakehead Thunderwolves on Friday, November 24th at 6 pm. Fans can tune in live at OUA.tv to support the Mustangs.
