HAMILTON, Ont. – The Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold men's basketball team edged out McMaster in a thrilling 70-68 victory at Burridge Gym on Saturday afternoon. The game was a back-and-forth battle, with TMU taking an early lead, McMaster fighting back, and the outcome hanging in the balance until the final moments.

The first quarter saw TMU come out strong, jumping to a 19-14 lead behind Aidan Wilson's aggressive play in the paint. McMaster responded in the second, heating up from beyond the arc and outscoring TMU 21-18. At halftime, the game was close, with TMU holding a slim 37-35 advantage.

Coming out of the break, TMU found its rhythm again. They dominated the third quarter, using a mix of strong defence and efficient shooting to build an eight-point cushion heading into the final frame. Gabriel Gutsmore provided a much-needed spark off the bench, recording multiple takeaways in the quarter as part of the four steals he recorded for the game.

McMaster, however, refused to go quietly. They clawed their way back in the fourth, making key defensive stops and finding ways to score in transition. With under a minute to go, TMU's once-comfortable lead dwindled to just a single point. 

As the clock ticked down, Aidan Wilson stepped up and knocked down a crucial free throw to put TMU ahead by two. McMaster had one last possession to either tie or win, but a long-range heave was unsuccessful.

Wilson led TMU with 16 points and six rebounds, while Aaron Rhooms contributed 13 points and three assists. 

With the win, TMU ends the season with a 15-7 record. They will host a playoff game at the Mattamy Athletic Centre on Wednesday, February 19 at 7 p.m.