With the playoffs still a possibility for the Nipissing Lakers women's basketball team, they faced an uphill battle in their final home weekend of play in the 2016-16 season.

The Lakers began play against the Ottawa Gee Gees Friday night and while they hung tough with the powerful Gee Gees, it wasn't enough, as the Lakers fell 83-59.

The Gee Gees got off to a very good start, played an aggressive style and kept the Lakers on their heels most of the opening 10 minutes.

It was that start that propelled the Gee Gees and eventually sunk the Lakers.

Ottawa grabbed a 28-12 lead after the first quarter, a lead of 16, before winning by 24.

From the second quarter on, Nipissing played a strong game and even outscored Ottawa in the fourth quarter, but by that time it was too little too late.

Down 16, Nipissing clamped down in the second, only surrendering 14 points, but in doing so, their offence slowed down as well.

They put up 12, a game low, and weren't able to get back into the game enough to make the second half as close as it could have been.

With the Lakers down 18 at halftime, the third quarter sealed the victory for Ottawa, as they posted another 21 points to extend their lead to 63-40.

Down 23 in the final quarter, the Lakers once again improved defensively, allowing 17 points and scoring 19, but the Gee Gees held on for the victory.

In the final quarter, Nipissing did manage a two point win, which will be a positive they take into the regular season finale Saturday night against Carleton.

Aside from the first quarter, that may have decided the game, the Lakers played tight with the Gee Gees.

Take away the 28-12 lead Ottawa had after 10 minutes, the score was 54-47 – a very respectable score and one that would have had Nipissing pressing late.

While it didn't do their way Friday night, the win in the fourth quarter and the strong defensive play for half the game has to be a positive sign for the Lakers.

On the offensive side of things, Claire Abbott put up 25 points and Alexe Galipeau-Wilson scored 12 points for Nipissing.

Marla Corney came off the bench and produced seven points in just 12 minutes of playing time, a very productive outing for the Lakers.

The Lakers will wrap up their second season in the OUA/CIS Saturday night when they host the Carleton Ravens, who defeated Laurentian Friday night in Sudbury.

Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. at the RJS Athletic Centre.