The Brock Badgers’ journey in the OUA playoffs came to a heartbreaking end in February in what was a hard-fought quarter-final showdown against TMU Bold at the Mattamy Athletic Centre. From the opening tip, the Badgers showed grit and determination in their Feb. 22nd game against the TMU Bold in Toronto.
TMU struck first with a three-pointer, but Brock wasted no time responding, igniting a thrilling 10-0 run. Layups from Madison MacInnis and Audrey Ntetani set the tone as the Badgers took early control of the match. By the end of the first quarter, a deep three from Angeline Campbell secured Brock a 16-11 lead, putting the home crowd on notice.
However, TMU found their rhythm in the second quarter. The Bold orchestrated a counterattack with a 10-0 surge of their own, flipping the script and forcing Brock to play from behind. The Badgers fought to stay within distance, with a crucial late layup from Madalyn Weinert narrowing the gap. Still, TMU entered halftime ahead, 32-28.
Determined to reclaim momentum, Brock came out strong in the third quarter. The Badgers clawed their way back into the fight, led by Weinert’s relentless play on both ends of the floor. Olivia Fiorucci delivered a clutch long-range jumper to tie the game at 45, sending a surge of energy through the Brock bench. Yet, just as they had done before, the Bold answered back, sinking a pair of timely three-pointers to regain control. By the end of the third, TMU reasserted their lead, 53-49.
The final quarter proved to be Brock’s downfall. TMU erupted for a 13-0 run to begin the quarter, stretching their lead to an insurmountable 69-49. The Badgers fought until the final whistle, managing to add late baskets, but the damage had been done. The Bold’s late-game dominance sealed Brock’s fate, closing out the contest with a 72-53 score.
Despite the loss, Weinert delivered a standout performance, posting a game-high 18 points, 13 rebounds and four assists, her double-double effort exemplifying the heart and fight the Badgers displayed all season. Defensively, Brock stood tall in the early going, registering five blocks to TMU’s three, which showcased their passion in overcoming one of the nation’s top defensive teams.
With the loss, Brock’s impressive 2024-25 campaign comes to an end, finishing with a strong 16-6 regular season record. As head coach Shae Dheensaw and her team reflect on a season filled with growth and determination, they’ll look ahead to next year with unfinished business, eager to build on the foundation they’ve laid for future success.