Alaine Hutton (Hamilton, Ont.) and Nicki Schutz (Toronto) combined for 52 points as the University of Toronto Varsity Blues women’s basketball team edged past the defending OUA champion McMaster Marauders 68-65 on Friday, November 7 at the Athletic Centre Sports Gym.

The Marauders got off to strong start and held a four-point lead after the first quarter led by Alyska Lukan (Barrie, Ont.). Fourth-year veteran Hutton sparked the Toronto offence in the second quarter, scoring 13 points to give the Blues a 34-29 lead at the end of the first half.

Toronto’s narrow lead quickly diminished as the Marauders came back to outscore the Blues 17-12 in the third quarter. However, Shutz’ 13 second-half points would rally the Blue and White and help keep things close.

Trailing 68-65 in the dying seconds of the game, the Marauders had one last chance to tie things up and force overtime. McMaster put up a shot from beyond the arc but the ball bounced off the rim and out, securing Toronto’s second win of the season.

Hutton led all players with 31 points and was named Blues player of the game for her efforts, while Shutz recorded a double-double with 21 points and a game-high 16 rebounds.

The Marauders were led by Hamilton natives Taylor Smith and Taylor Chiarot, who each tallied 15 points, while second-year forward Lukan added 13 points in the loss.

The Varsity Blues return to the court tomorrow night when they host the Lakehead Thunderwolves at the Athletic Centre Sports Gym. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m.