Posted on March 4: Marauders face Brock in OUA west finals

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/McMaster-vs.-Brock-Basketba.jpg” caption=”McMaster vs. Brock”]The nationally sixth-ranked McMaster Marauders men's basketball team plays host to division rival seventh-ranked Brock Badgers Saturday, March 6 at 2 p.m. in Burridge Gymnasium on the McMaster
University campus.

The Ontario basketball powers collide for the OUA west finals, the winner advancing to the Wilson Cup Championship at the home of the OUA east division winner.

With just a short drive on the Queen Elizabeth Highway separating the
two schools it's no surprise a heated rivalry has been present. As was
the case in 2002-03, the two teams split this year's season series each team winning on their homecourt. McMaster took the first meeting 86-74 on Nov. 19, 2003 with Brock taking the later 68-65, Feb. 4, 2004.

The later battle proved costly for the Badgers, as Kevin French
suffered a season ending injury, breaking his shooting hand. On the
same play McMaster forward Adam Steiner also sustained injury but has
since returned to action.

With a favourable point differential McMaster claim this year's BROMAC
Cup, the annual trophy presented to the winner of the season series.

Like the season series, McMaster and Brock split top honours in the OUA West awards. McMaster boasted player of the year Adam Guiney. Guiney was also named first team all-star along with Ben Katz. Head coach Joe Raso was recognized as coach of the year. Brock meanwhile led all schools with three all-stars. Kevin Stientstra was named first team, followed by Brad Rootes and Kevin French of second team. Rootes was also named rookie of the year in addition to being named to the all rookie team with running mate Dusty Bianchin.

McMaster took first place in the regular season with a 17-5 record,
24-7 overall. The maroon and grey downed the visiting Waterloo Warriors 83-60 last Saturday to advance to the OUA west finals for the second consecutive year.

The third-seeded Badgers are hot off a 70-59 road victory over the
defending OUA west champion Guelph Gryphons in the semi-final match-up.

The young Badgers squad have won 17 of their past 20 games. Brock
finished with a 15-7 record in conference play and an overall mark of
23-9.

Both teams have already clinched a birth in the 2004 CIS final 10
national championships but the winner should be seated in the upper
portion of the bracket and receive a bye in the first round.

For McMaster it will be their eleventh appearance in the past 12 years. It marks Brock's first return trip to Halifax since winning the
national championship in 1991-92.

Photo caption: The Marauders battle Brock during a game played in February. Brock won the game 68-65 on home court. Photo courtesy: Athletics and Recreation.

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[img_inline align="right" src="http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/McMaster-vs.-Brock-Basketba.jpg" caption="McMaster vs. Brock"]The nationally sixth-ranked McMaster Marauders men&#039;s basketball team plays host to division rival seventh-ranked Brock Badgers Saturday, March 6 at 2 p.m. in Burridge Gymnasium on the McMaster<br />
University campus.<p><br />
<br />
The Ontario basketball powers collide for the OUA west finals, the winner advancing to the Wilson Cup Championship at the home of the OUA east division winner.<p><br />
<br />
With just a short drive on the Queen Elizabeth Highway separating the<br />
two schools it&#039;s no surprise a heated rivalry has been present. As was<br />
the case in 2002-03, the two teams split this year&#039;s season series each team winning on their homecourt. McMaster took the first meeting 86-74 on Nov. 19, 2003 with Brock taking the later 68-65, Feb. 4, 2004.<p><br />
<br />
The later battle proved costly for the Badgers, as Kevin French<br />
suffered a season ending injury, breaking his shooting hand. On the<br />
same play McMaster forward Adam Steiner also sustained injury but has<br />
since returned to action.<p><br />
<br />
With a favourable point differential McMaster claim this year&#039;s BROMAC<br />
Cup, the annual trophy presented to the winner of the season series.<p><br />
<br />
Like the season series, McMaster and Brock split top honours in the OUA West awards. McMaster boasted player of the year Adam Guiney. Guiney was also named first team all-star along with Ben Katz. Head coach Joe Raso was recognized as coach of the year. Brock meanwhile led all schools with three all-stars. Kevin Stientstra was named first team, followed by Brad Rootes and Kevin French of second team. Rootes was also named rookie of the year in addition to being named to the all rookie team with running mate Dusty Bianchin.<p><br />
<br />
McMaster took first place in the regular season with a 17-5 record, <br />
24-7 overall. The maroon and grey downed the visiting Waterloo Warriors 83-60 last Saturday to advance to the OUA west finals for the second consecutive year.<p><br />
<br />
The third-seeded Badgers are hot off a 70-59 road victory over the<br />
defending OUA west champion Guelph Gryphons in the semi-final match-up.<p><br />
<br />
The young Badgers squad have won 17 of their past 20 games. Brock<br />
finished with a 15-7 record in conference play and an overall mark of<br />
23-9.<p><br />
<br />
Both teams have already clinched a birth in the 2004 CIS final 10<br />
national championships but the winner should be seated in the upper<br />
portion of the bracket and receive a bye in the first round.  <p><br />
<br />
For McMaster it will be their eleventh appearance in the past 12 years. It marks Brock&#039;s first return trip to Halifax since winning the<br />
national championship in 1991-92.<p><br />
<br />
<i>Photo caption: The Marauders battle Brock during a game played in February. Brock won the game 68-65 on home court. Photo courtesy: Athletics and Recreation.</i>

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