Mac prepares for the CIS Final 8

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By: Jaycee Cruz

Buzzer beaters, Cinderella runs, unexpected upsets, breakout performances and gritty wins are but some of the characteristics that define postseason university basketball. The postseason is a new season, a blank slate where a team’s sole objective is to win each game that comes its way in the hopes of bringing a national championship to campus.

The postseason is also where the road ends. The McMaster men’s basketball team is hoping that end happens in mid-March at the CIS Final 8 tournament.

With a 100-51 win over Algoma at home on Feb. 21 the Marauders finished the regular season with an impressive 17-3 record (16-3 OUA record, 9-0 at home, 8-3 on the road). Despite finishing 17-3, Mac’s three losses came at the hands of the teams that are ranked above them nationally, the teams that they need to beat to rise to the top. The losses to No. 1 Carleton, No. 2 Ottawa and No. 3 Ryerson all took place away from Burridge.

“We got beat pretty significantly at those places. I can be happy that we took care of the things we took care of in the other games this season but I don’t know if we can say that we took a step that we needed to,” said Connolly. “But to be 17-3 is an accomplishment. We haven’t performed at that level since I’ve been here. We were 18-4 last year so three losses is something that we can be positive about, but it’s a brand new season starting now.”

The slate is clean, but the horizon ahead is nothing less than difficult with potential matchups against provincial powerhouses like Carleton, Ottawa and Ryerson.

“If you look at the playoffs right now it’s a very challenging scenario. The reality is that we might see the first, second, third and fifth-ranked teams in the country in the next two weeks,” Connolly said. “There’s nothing in our playoff run that I would consider to be a game less than 100 percent challenging. It’s the curse and beauty of playing in the OUA.”

Prior to their OUA quarterfinal at home this weekend, Mac will prepare like they have all season to ensure they are ready for the playoffs once the show starts. Whether it is physical preparation, emotional preparation, or mental preparation, Mac will be ready once tipoff comes Saturday afternoon.

“I don’t think we change our prep. We’ve done it the same way the whole year. The game plan changes with different teams but not the way you game plan. At this point there’s not a lot of luck,” said Connolly. “That’s not what it’s about. It’s about preparation and your execution. What we need to do right now is have a great week this week, win that game on Saturday and get ourselves into the Final Four.”

Players and coaches alike know that this time of the year is different. If not already done, this is when individual agendas are dropped in favor of the collective goals of the team. It takes sacrifice and selflessness to keep national title dreams alive. The vibe from the team and coaching staff is one of confidence, focus and positivity.

“This is probably the biggest thing. I think the team knows where we have to be emotionally at this time of the year. I think they’re aware of what needs to be focused on and what needs to be put aside. I think we all understand that this is where you have to get individual issues off the table,” Connolly said. “I think everyone gets that. I think that’s why we’re in a good place mentally. I think everyone here understands that it’s time to stop considering yourself in any way because it’s about the team.”

Mac hosts the OUA quarterfinal at home in Burridge this Saturday, Feb. 28. Tip-off is at 3 p.m.

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