The McMaster Marauders handed the Brock Badgers men's basketball team its first loss of the season.

McMaster slipped by Brock 79-73 at Bob Davis Gymnasium on Friday.

"We didn't match their energy to start the game and they got after the ball defensively," said head coach Madhav Trivedi. "From there we played catchup and couldn't really break into single digits until late fourth quarter."

The Marauders roared out of the gate with 27-9 lead in the first quarter.

Connor Gilmore led Marauders with 18 points and 12 rebounds.

For the Badgers, Cassidy Ryan led the way with 20 points. Tyler Brown notched 13 points while Daniel Cayer posted.

The Marauders held Johneil Simpson to 10 points. Kascius Small-Martin added nine.

McMaster edged Brock 47-42 in rebounds.

Prior to tipoff, Brock honoured former Badger Jason Pearson, a student-athlete who tragically lost his life in 2001. The Jason Pearson Memorial scholarship was awarded to Cassidy Ryan of the men's basketball team. This award is presented annually to a member of the Brock Badgers men's basketball team. In addition to their athletic and academic ability, the recipient exhibits the same warmth of personality, concern for others and positive attitude for life as did Jason Pearson. 

Up next, the Badgers (2-1) travel to Sudbury to play Laurentian on Friday, Nov. 9 at 8 p.m.