Nathan McCarthy, Joe Rocca Deliver Double-Doubles for McMaster in Win over Guelph Gryphons
HAMILTON, ON – After winning three straight the McMaster Marauders were hoping to keep things rollin’ as the Guelph Gryphons were coming to town to dampen the mood. The Marauders got out to a quick start and were able to maintain their intensity as they came away with a 91-65 victory.
Throughout the first half both teams traded baskets and fouls, as the Marauders and Gryphons combined for 21 free throw attempts on 20 of 21 (Guelph 8-8, McMaster 12-13). Both teams were very physical on the boards, not allowing many second chance opportunities (MAC 4 Guelph 3).
However it was the strength and determination from the Marauders Nathan McCarthy (16 pts 13 rbs, 12 and 10 at half) who lead all scorers in the first half with a double-double, to give McMaster a 46-35 lead at the break.
McMaster Head Coach Amos Connolly had nothing but praise for the impact his team got from McCarthy.
“He’s been a rock for us over the past two weeks. He works so hard everyday and it’s starting to show in games and on the stat sheet. In a game that was up and down – he had 16 pts on 75% shooting and 13 boards. His 80 percent (4/5) from the line stopped some runs and speaks to his efficiency on the night overall. the next challenge for him is putting up similar numbers against teams that are bigger up front, as well as athletic.”
The second half the Marauders got more help from the rest of the team and balanced it’s attack offensively. Defensively they picked up their intensity and forced the Gryphons into 23 turnovers, which lead to fouls and MAC spending more time at the free throw stripe going 11-17.
Taylor Black (20 pts 6 rbs) began to find his groove offensively, and when he started to get double teamed he managed to kick out and find an open Joe Rocca (16 pts 10 rbs) who was able to knock it down from long range.
Guelph was not able to get things going offensively, every chance they were able to make a run, McMaster would answer with a solid defensive stand or a run of their own. The Gryphons did not have any starters in double figures, as 26 points came from Kareem Malcolm (13 pts) and Trevor Thompson (13 pts 6 rbs) off the bench.
The next action for both teams will be Saturday January 9th, as the Marauders host Waterloo, and the Gryphons host Brock.
NPH Top Performers
Guelph
- Kareem Malcolm 13 pts
- Trevor Thompson 13 pts 6 rbs
McMaster
- Taylor Black 20 pts 6 rbs
- Nathan McCarthy 16 pts 13 rbs
- Joe Rocca 16 pts 10 rbs
- Adam Presutti 10 pts
