Box Score Photo Gallery

The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's basketball team dropped a narrow 72-70 decision to the No. 8 nationally ranked McMaster Marauders in their annual Think Pink game on Saturday afternoon (Jan. 31) at Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport.

With the loss, the Blues drop to 7-6 but remain in third place in the OUA East division, while the No. 8 Marauders improve to 11-4 and are atop the Central division.

Fifth-year guard Jill Stratton led the Blues with 16 points, eight rebounds, seven steals and six assists, while sophomore Rahshida Atkinson had 14 points and Emily Piccini added 10 points and seven boards on the day.

Abena Addo notched eight points, with Julie Longauer, Maddy Baker and Liane Bailey each adding seven points in the loss.

With the Blues leading by 10 heading into the fourth quarter, the Marauders slowly crept back into the game. Danielle Boiago brought the game within four points with three minutes remaining and a last-second three from Rachael Holmes sealed the McMaster comeback, 72-70.

Both teams traded baskets to start the game, but McMaster's Clare Kenney notched eight early points to give the Marauders an early 10-4 advantage. Toronto rallied with a couple of three's from Bailey and Atkinson, but Kenney kept rolling with a 15-point first quarter as McMaster carried a 23-16 lead into the second quarter.  

Toronto had a monster second quarter, led by 10 points from Piccini, and held McMaster to only five points. The Blues took a 40-28 lead at halftime.

U of T kept rolling to start the second half and, thanks to a 10-point third frame from Stratton, carried a 10-point lead (57-47) into the fourth quarter.

Kenney led all players with a double-double of 21 points and 14 rebounds. Bioago added 17 points, with Holmes notching 16 in the victory.

The Varsity Blues return to the court next Friday, February 6 as they host the Lakehead Thunderwolves at Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport. Tip off is set for 6 p.m.

GAME NOTES: Varsity Blues Think Pink champions Dylan Churchill and Samia Islam dedicated their donations to today's game. Samia cut her hair at halftime, while Dylan raised over $500 in support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. The Junior Blues Gymnastics Club also presented the Blues with a cheque for over $600 in support of the cause, following a halftime performance.

For more information, scores and highlights on your favourite U of T athletes and teams, please visit www.varsityblues.ca. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook for the latest and greatest in Varsity Blues intercollegiate athletics.