In both games this past weekend, the Nipissing Lakers women's basketball team came up short, but it wasn't because of a slow start, it was because of a lackluster finish.

Friday night against Lakehead, the Lakers trailed by just nine at halftime and while they needed a big second half to pick up their second win of the season, it was completely possible that they put together 20 strong minutes and come out on top.

However, they managed just 24 points in the second half compared to Lakehead's 46 and fell short for the third straight game.

Saturday on the road against Guelph it was a similar story.

While the score was a little more one-sided in favour of the Gryphons – up 35-20 at half – Nipissing managed just 12 points in the second half in an attempt to comeback and it wasn't nearly enough to catch up.

While these two setbacks saw areas the team needs to improve in, they have also seen a lot of positives from their play the past few weekends which includes their first ever OUA victory.

And as the Lakers prepare to host the Algoma Thunderbirds, they are hoping their improved played, along with facing a struggling Thunderbirds team can right the ship towards the end of the first semester.

Algoma is winless so far this year, scoring over 40 points just twice.

While the Lakers don't want to, nor are they, getting ahead of themselves, this is a game that they are supposed to win and should win based on a number of factors.

Led once again by veteran guard Claire Abbott, the Lakers offence has been more potent this year thanks to more depth and skill at each position.

They are battling injuries, but that proves their depth is better than ever, as they have been able to put a competitive team on the court each night, regardless of who is banged up.

That fact is proven by the minutes being spread out with 10 player playing an average of 10 minute per game, all contributing at both ends of the court.

Rebounding was an issue last year for the Lakers, who were outsized down low and suffered because of it, but this year, with the additions of Jamie Soffer and Alexe Galipeau-Wilson, the team is benefitting from improved board play.

Soffer is averaging 6.6 rebounds a game, while Galipeau-Wilson is bringing down an average of eight per game.

The fact they're able to get the ball back after missed shots at both ends of the court is going a lot way to keeping the Lakers in games, as well as being successful.

With just a single game this weekend, the Lakers will focus on the Thunderbirds and look to close out the semester on a high note.

Game time is schedule for 6 p.m. at the RJS Athletic Centre Friday night.