HAMILTON, Ont. — The Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold women's basketball team closed off their regular season with a win over the McMaster Marauders, 80-72.

Kaillie Hall delivered her usual strong veteran performance in her final regular season game with the Bold, finishing with 16 points, four steals and four rebounds.

In the first quarter, the Bold took advantage of McMaster's physical defence, drawing fouls to earn trips to the free-throw line. The Marauders and Bold battled it out, both trying to claim control of the opening frame. 

Kait Nichols worked hard under the net, securing several second-chance opportunities. She ended the first half with four points and four rebounds.

Late in the first quarter, McMaster killed the Bold's lead, taking the first with a 20-16 advantage.

Beginning the second quarter, McMaster went on an offensive run, extending their lead. Not wanting to let the Marauders pull away, the Bold pushed to close the score gap. 

Jayme Foreman got comfortable beyond the arc, sinking consistent threes which helped to contribute to the Bold's comeback. 

The first half closed off with the Bold trailing the Marauders, 39-34.
 
In the third quarter, McMaster began to pull away again, ramping up offensively. With a combination of good defensive execution and fighting for possession of the ball, the Bold shrunk the point deficit. 

Hailey Franco DeRyck used her physicality to muscle her way to the rim, getting fouled and conducting a three-point play. She totaled 12 points, eight rebounds and two steals in the contest.

Nichols made a significant impact in the paint as she was a key player to help the Bold claim the lead once again. She finished the game with a double-double, 11 points and 11 rebounds. 

The Bold finished the third up 54-51.

The fourth quarter came down to the wire with both teams wanting to secure the win. TMU fought hard on the court, using their ball movement and sharp passes to create open opportunities. 

Catrina Garvey dumped down a deep three, sparking the Bold's final offensive push. She finished the game with 11 points.

With a minute left, the Bold were up only by two-points, every move crucial. Callie Wright executed key plays in the last few minutes of play, sealing the win for the Bold, 80-72.

The Bold will return to the Mattamy Athletic Centre and host the OUA quarter-finals on Saturday, Feb. 22. Their opponent is to be determined. Make sure to come and support the Bold for their playoff run. TMU students get in free with their OneCard.