[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/mess-bball-serge-venier.jpg” caption=”Serge Venier of Employee Career Services does the ceremonial tip-off for the Women’s game on Saturday, Jan. 28.”]More than 530 McMaster employees, retirees and their families came out to support the women's and men's Marauders basketball teams on Saturday in Burridge Gymnasium as both teams faced Brock University. This was the fourth annual McMaster Employee Spirit Society (M.E.S.S.!) basketball event.

Employees and their families were provided free admission, child-minding services, complimentary food and refreshments, the opportunity to win draw prizes and complimentary face painting.

Both the women and men's teams battled valiantly, but the results were disappointing for the Marauders. After a seven point loss in the women's game, the men's team kept the fans glued to their seats as the game ran into overtime. They were ultimately overcome by the Brock Badgers 86/84.