The Brock women’s basketball team fought off a late surge from McMaster to secure a hard-earned 76-72 victory on the road last Saturday.
From the opening tip, Madalyn Weinert made her presence known. The reigning OUA Player of the Year wasted no time establishing control, scoring 14 points in the first quarter alone. Her ability to attack the basket, pull up from mid-range and crash the boards set the tone for the Badgers. By the end of the first, Brock built a 24-20 lead, dictating the tempo on both ends of the floor.
The momentum carried into the second quarter as Brock continued to execute efficiently. Weinert remained the focal point of the offence, adding 11 more points before halftime, while Angeline Campbell, Shailah Adams, Olivia Fiorucci and Ava Stranges contributed to a well-balanced attack. The Badgers moved the ball with confidence, finding open shots and punishing McMaster’s defence for any lapse in coverage. Their discipline allowed them to take a 47-41 lead into the locker room at halftime, holding firm against the Marauders.
Beyond the numbers, the night marked a significant personal achievement for Campbell, who reached the 1,000-career-point milestone. Her 13 points of the night were a testament to her consistency and leadership over the years. As the game momentarily paused for a brief acknowledgement, Campbell’s teammates surrounded her in celebration.
Brock came out of halftime with the same intensity that fielded their first-half dominance. They stretched their lead to as many as 14 points, the largest margin of the game, as Weinert continued to deliver in the clutch. But McMaster, determined to defend their home court, found life in the fourth quarter.
The Marauders ramped up their defensive pressure and attacked the rim relentlessly, outscoring Brock 20-12 in the final quarter. Their once-commanding lead dwindled as the clock ticked down and the energy in the Burridge Gymnasium shifted to anticipation. With each basket, the home crowd grew louder, sensing a comeback within reach.
But Brock refused to let it slip away. In the face of mounting pressure, the Badgers executed their game plan with poise. Their ability to manage the clock, control possession and capitalize on free throws proved decisive in the closing minutes. Shooting an impressive 82.6 per cent from the line, Brock maintained the gap, denying McMaster a final push. In contrast, the Marauders struggled from the stripe, making just 46.2 per cent of their attempts — a disparity that ultimately shaped the outcome of the game.
As the final buzzer sounded, the Badgers walked off the court with a victory that tested both their skill and willpower. It was a statement win: one that reinforced their ability to perform under pressure and close out games when it matters most.
With this victory in the books, Brock now turns its attention to its next challenge: a Feb. 14 matchup against the Toronto Varsity Blues. The last game between these teams resulted in an 80-52 Badgers win, but as this game proved, no opponent should be taken lightly. The Badgers will look to build on their momentum and continue their push toward postseason success.