The University of Windsor Lancers men's basketball team delivered a dominant first half and held off a late push from the McMaster Marauders to earn a 95–82 victory on Saturday, November 15 in Hamilton, Ont. 

GAME FLOW
Windsor came out firing, establishing control early with a 27–14 opening quarter before extending the lead to 58–35 at halftime behind efficient shooting and strong ball movement. McMaster responded with a stronger effort in the second half, matching the Lancers' pace with a 24-point third quarter and a 23-point fourth, but Windsor's early cushion proved too large to erase as the Lancers closed out the contest with composure.

Statistically, Windsor dictated the matchup with 49.2% shooting from the floor and a strong 75% performance at the free-throw line. The Lancers also forced 15 turnovers and maintained consistent offensive pressure. McMaster held a slight 36–34 edge on the boards and shot 44.6% from the field, but their 17.4% clip from three and 60% mark at the line limited their comeback chances.

STATS
Yohann Sam led the Lancers with a standout 32-point performance, shooting 9-of-17 from the field and a perfect 13-of-13 from the stripe, while adding four rebounds and two assists. His 32 points tied a career-high mark from last season. Dallas Champagnie-Smith contributed 16 points, five rebounds, three assists, and four steals, and Emanuel Otong added 12 points on efficient shooting. Luke Grace anchored the interior with 12 rebounds and nine points, and first-year guard Tife Obasato provided a spark off the bench with 11 points, including three made triples. 

For the Marauders, Jacyn Taylor posted 13 points and six rebounds, Ares Culley-Bremner added 13 points, five boards, and four blocks, and Jack McMahan knocked down four threes on his way to 13 points. Riaz Saliu rounded out McMaster's top performers with 13 points and eight rebounds.

UP NEXT
The Lancers will return home next week to host the Western Mustangs at the Toldo Lancer Centre on Saturday, November 22 with tip-off scheduled for 6 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at golancers.ca/tickets, with the game available to be streamed online at oua.tv.