It was an intense night of basketball at the RJS Athletic Centre, as the Nipissing Lakers men's basketball team hosted the Algoma Thunderbirds.

Coming off a win on the road, the Lakers were unable to make it two in a row, as they fell in a tight contest, losing 76-70.

As the first quarter started, it seemed that these two teams would be evenly matched as baskets were falling pretty freely back and forth. The Lakers showed some speed up and down the court, but Algoma would come right back and answer.

The first quarter ended with the teams tied 13-13.

It was here Algoma would step up their game and start grabbing control of the game.

Despite Nipissing's best efforts, the Thunderbirds started making shot after shot and they quickly elevated their score finishing the second quarter up 37-29.

Algoma was hot from long range, knocking down a number of threes each trip down the court.

Nipissing managed to keep their spirits going into the third quarter as Algoma continued to climb on them, but the Lakers weren't going down without a fight.

The third quarter finished with Algoma out in front of Nipissing, 58-45.

Tension built as Nipissing started really fighting for the win in the fourth quarter.

Thanks to a fourth quarter push, the Lakers cut their deficit to just three and were down 64-61.  As the game continued Nipissing's effort weren't enough, as the Thunderbirds escaped with a win, finishing the game up six, for a final score of 76-70 over the Lakers.

Marcus Lewis had 19 points, Jaaden Lewis had 16 and Justin Shaver added 13 to pace the Lakers offence Friday night against Algoma.

Nipissing is back in action Saturday when they host Guelph at 8pm at the RJS Athletic Centre.