Often the sign of a good team is to find a way to extend a winning streak and quickly halt any losing streak, no matter how long.

The Nipissing Lakers men's basketball did just that Saturday night, making sure they earned a weekend split with a gritty 84-78 victory over the Guelph Gryphons, avoiding dropping the third game in their last four.

Nipissing started very strong, building u a 13-2 lead and rode that hot start to victory, but it was far from easy.

After 10 minutes, the Lakers held a 25-24 advantage on Guelph.

The Lakers continued to show their skill into the second quarter.

Guelph was becoming frustrated, as the Lakers played solid defensively and impressive offensively. Thanks to their solid play at both ends of the court, Nipissing earned a lead of 44-29 at halftime.

Into the third and Guelph began picking up their game and managed to close the gap, cutting into the Lakers lead.

The quarter finished with Nipissing out in front 69-59.

The game was getting closer the longer it went on and the tension were growing.

A game that seemed to be in control for the Lakers was getting less and less certain as the second half progressed.

Soon enough Guelph had come within three points of Nipissing.

The game went down to the wire and with a minute left the score was 80-78 and despite a late push from Guelph, Nipissing held on for the 84-78 triumph.

The Lakers were led offensively by Marcus Lewis who had a double-double, 26 points and 11 rebounds, Ismael Kaba had 18 and Jaaden Lewis added 16 in the victory.

Nipissing is on the road to finish up the semester at Windsor and Western next weekend.