If there was ever a perfect game on the schedule to snap out of their early season slump, this is it.
The Nipissing Lakers men's basketball team enters the game sporting an 0-6 record, coming off a pair of road losses last weekend on the road.
It hasn't been one specific thing that has resulted in the Lakers early season struggles, it has been a culmination of things throughout each game that has plagued Nipissing.
Friday night against Lakehead there wasn't a particularly bad quarter, but the Lakers played from behind for much of the game and in the end it did them in.
Saturday night, a bad start – down 20-8 after the first – had them behind the eight ball and forced them to play from behind all night. And unfortunately they didn't have enough left to come back despite a 38-point second half.
This Friday, on home court, the Lakers are looking to make history and come away with their first victory of the season against the winless Algoma Thunderbirds.
Algoma has been competitive this year despite their record.
A six point loss to start the season against Brock and an overtime loss to Laurier could have easily gone Algoma's way, however, they fell short and are looking for win number one as well.
With no player scoring more than 10 points per game, Algoma does have some depth, however, as they have six players with six points per game – showing they can spread out the offence.
In comparison, Nipissing has one player over 10 points per game, but just four over six points per game.
The matchup based on stats and on paper is one that is pretty even and it's likely both teams feel they have an advantage entering the game where one team will end their winless season.
Nipissing has relied – and rightfully so – on veterans
Jordon Campbell and
Joey Puddister who have performed well this year.
Marcus Lewis leads the team offensively and
Marvin Ngonadi has had an impressive start to the year, as well.
Jerron Rhodes is quietly putting up solid numbers as well, playing more of a depth role, but it's working so far and for the team to be successful, that depth and balanced scoring will be key.
The teams will hit the court Friday night at 8 p.m. at the RJS Athletic Centre.
