Thanks to a big third quarter, the Nipissing Lakers men's basketball made it two straight wins.

The Lakers built up a 57-48 after three quarters and held on for a thrilling three point, 68-65, win Saturday night in Thunder Bay, as they edged the Lakehead Thunderwolves.

After dropping their first game of the season, the Lakers have now won back-to-back victories led by a pair of veteran players.

Marvin Ngonadi had a strong night off the bench, picking up a double-double and Marcus Lewis scored 20 points to lead the team.

After a tight, high-scoring first quarter that saw the Lakers up 24-23, things calmed down in the second frame.

Nipissing did extend their lead, but only outscored Lakehead 11-7, taking a 35-30 lead into the halftime break.

In the third, Nipissing once again added to their lead.

And it turned out to be very important as Lakehead fought back in the fourth, coming within a shot of tying things up.

Up 57-48 after three, Nipissing scored just 11 points in the final quarter as the Thunderwolves poured it on, but the Lakers did enough to earn the win and make the long trip worthwhile.

Combined with Ngonadi and Lewis' big games, Jaaden Lewis added nine points and Ismael Kaba chipped in with eight points.

Next up, the Lakers will travel to Brock and McMaster for a pair of road games this coming weekend.