From tip-off to the final buzzer, the Brock women's basketball team proved themselves unstoppable in their quest to clinch their third consecutive Paint the Meridian win.
In front of an energetic crowd at the Meridian Centre, the Badgers pushed their Ontario University Athletics (OUA) record to 9-4 after a 92-85 victory over the visiting McMaster Marauders on Friday, Jan. 17.
For senior guard and local St. Catharines product Allison Addy, the game was an opportunity to inspire the next generation of aspiring hoop stars watching from the stands.
"It was awesome to see so many girls basketball teams here," she said. "I think we see ourselves in those players, so it's super to come out and play for them."
Allison Addy was joined by Brock University President & Vice-Chancellor Lesley Rigg and the McMaster Marauders' Cassandra Joli-Cour for the ceremonial tip-off.
Addy's teammate and fellow St. Catharines native Madalyn Weinert tied a career high with 34 points off 56 per cent shooting from the field and an 80 per cent mark from the three-point line.
The three-pointer was deadly for the Badgers in the first quarter as they scored 12 points off a 4-for-11 performance to lead 27-19.
The next 10 minutes saw Brock hold off a scoring surge from the visitors to hold a four-point advantage at 47-43.
In the third quarter, the Badgers continued their long-range impact as they shot 50 per cent and delivered four total. Brock held a double-digit lead at 72-61 at the end of the frame, with their largest advantage in the quarter being 15.
Despite being outscored 24-20 in the fourth quarter, the Badgers' early lead held on as they took the contest by seven and a 92-85 scoreline.
"It's honestly a really cool experience; not a lot of teams get this chance (to play in an arena this size), so we really relish this opportunity," Addy said. "The fans support us at Bob Davis Gymnasium, and they brought it to another level tonight, so it's so cool to see how everyone comes together and how loud this place was; it was truly a home court advantage."
In addition to the heroics of Weinert, Angeline Campbell and Olivia Fiorucci both finished with 14 points.
The Badgers controlled the glass, leading in rebounds by a total of 39-28.
This marked the seventh overall edition of Paint the Meridian Red for the women's basketball team, who now hold a 4-3 all-time record at the event.
Up next, the Badgers stay at home to play at Bob Davis Gymnasium on Sunday, Jan. 19 at 6 p.m. against the visiting Toronto Varsity Blues for the 18th annual Shoot for the Cure Game. Last time these two teams played, the Badgers won 70-52 on the road on Jan. 6, 2024. Tickets can be purchased at University Tickets. This game will also be streamed on OUA TV.
