Posted on Oct. 27: Men’s basketball team capture inaugural Raptors invitational tournament

In front of a live national broadcast on Raptors NBA TV, the McMaster Marauders men's basketball team won the inaugural Raptors Invitational Tournament, presented by Sprite.

Tournament MVP and McMaster guard Ben Katz collected a double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds as the top-seed Marauders defeated second-seed York, 62-54, at Air Canada Centre. Both teams struggled to find their offence in the early stages of the first half as teams were adjusting to playing on an NBA court. The Marauders led 27-23 at halftime. York's two big men, forward Ryan French and centre Jordan Foebel combined for 25 of the team's 31 second-half points. They each collected a double-double with French registering 16 points and 10 rebounds while Foebel netted team highs of 22 points and 11 rebounds.

McMaster defence was aggressive all game, forcing York to shoot just .268 (19-71) from the field. Offensively, the Marauders moved the ball around the perimeter successfully, making 14 assists on 22 field goals. Tournament All-Star centre Adam Guiney scored 13 points and grabbed nine rebounds.

The tournament all-stars were awarded earlier in the day as part of a special brunch while overlooking the main court of Air Canada Centre. Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Ltd. president Richard Peddie, and Glen Grunwald, senior vice-president and general manager addressed the student-athletes, thanking them for being role models to thousands of children throughout the country.

“Each of you play a very important role in improving the image of basketball in this country,” said Peddie. “Together, we will continue to promote the sport we all love while recognizing its Canadian roots.”