While it was close throughout the game, the difference came in the third quarter, as the Nipissing Lakers men's basketball team fell short in the opening game of 2017.

The Lakers opened up with a tough task – battling the McMaster Marauders – a team that was looking to turn around some misfortunes at the end of the first semester.

The Marauders did bounce back and snapped the Lakers two game win streak, defeating them 90-75.

The teams played tight basketball throughout the 40 minutes and were only separated by five points after one quarter and just two at the half, thanks to a buzzer-beater by Jaaden Lewis, who led the Nipissing attack Friday night.

Down two entering the second half, the Lakers came out a bit slow and it hurt them in the end.

They allowed 30 points in the third quarter, while scoring 17, as McMaster widened their lead in a big way going from up two, to up 15 entering the final 10 minutes of play.

Nipissing closed the gap, but every time they did, the Marauders would answer right away.

Both teams posted 24 points in the final quarter, so the 15 point advantage for McMaster stood tall, as they secured their fourth victory of the season and moved back to .500, while the Lakers fell to 3-6 on the season.

The Lakers had strong offensive efforts from a number of players, as Lewis led the way with 20 points, Marcus Lewis and Justin Shaver each added 16 and Jordon Campbell chipped in with 12.

Nipissing will look to bounce back Saturday as they host the Brock Badgers to close out the opening weekend of play in the second semester.

Tip-off is set for 8pm.