Braeden Tokar had a game high 16 points to lead Ovid-Elsie past Durand (11-6, 7-5 MMAC) in a conference showdown on the road Friday night.  The Lady Marauders would prevail 58-36 and improve to 16-0 (12-0 MMAC).

Caitlyn Walter, despite missing most of the first half due to foul trouble chipped in with 13 points and 3 assists while Ava Bates filled the stat sheet with 12 points, 7 rebounds and 7 steals.  Evalyn Cole added 9 points, 4 assists and 2 steals while Hailee Campbell scored 5 points, grabbed 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 steals.  Braylon Byrnes rounded out the Marauder scoring with 3 points.  Tokar also added 6 rebounds.

"Durand gave us a great test tonight," said Head Coach Ryan Cunningham.  "They handled our press fairly well and made some big shots."

Durand, shooting nearly 42% from the field ended up turning the ball over 28 times which led to 19 Ovid-Elsie steals.  The Lady Marauders also handed out 16 assists on 21 made baskets and out rebounded the Railroaders 31-26.

"They have size and great guard play," noted Cunningham.  "They actually match up really well with us. But we're still without Kiah (Longoria) and that's a huge piece to our team puzzle.  She provides us with another scorer and she's an outstanding defender."

The Lady Marauders used quarter scoring runs of 16-7, 16-10, 10-8, and 16-11 and led by as many as 26 and 32-17 at half.

"They just seemed to keep hanging around so you have to give them credit for coming up with a great game plan and executing it," said Cunningham.  "We need to be tested as we head into the tournament in a couple of weeks."

Tonight's win guarantees Ovid-Elsie at least a share of the MMAC conference title - something that has long alluded the Marauders.  The last conference title was in 1984.  A win next Friday night against Mt. Morris gives Ovid-Elsie the title outright.

Tuesday's game against Alma was canceled as the Panthers need to play a makeup game.  No replacement game has been found at this time.  If no replacement game can be found, OE will take on Mt. Morris next Friday night at home.  Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.