Missed opportunities were the name of the game Saturday night for the Nipissing Lakers men's basketball team.

Facing the Ryerson Rams, a team that knocked off both the Ottawa Gee Gees and Carleton Ravens in one weekend, the Lakers couldn't afford to miss their chance and in the end, it bit them.

The Lakers hung tough at times, but fell 97-68 to the sharp-shooting Rams.

In the first quarter, the Lakers were right in the game, down just five points after the opening 10 minutes.

At one point, Nipissing was down, but had numerous opportunities to climb back in the game if they were able to make a few shots and get stops on defence, but they came up short on both ends.

Ryerson extended their lead in the second quarter, adding 26 points and they took a 44-31 lead into the halftime break.

A huge third quarter for the Rams where they put up 30 points put the game away.

Nipissing managed to score 14, but the 74-45 lead was far too much to overcome against one of the top teams in Canada.

The teams each put up 23 points in the fourth quarter, but by that time, the game had been decided and the Rams cruised to the victory.

Marcus Lewis had 16 points and 9 rebounds, Jerron Rhodes had 12 points and Marvin Ngonadi added nine points for the Lakers in defeat.

The Lakers hit the road next weekend and head to face the Western Mustangs and Windsor Lancers.