The Nipissing Lakers men's basketball team made is five wins in their past six games with an impressive effort against the Laurentian Voyageurs Friday night.

Nipissing used a consistent effort and a big second quarter as they evened their record to 9-9 after an 82-78 victory.

The win gives the Lakers an almost definite home playoff date on Feb. 22, with opponent and time to be confirmed.

After a tight first quarter and a slim one point lead, Nipissing opened things up in the second, outscoring Laurentian by eight.

That put Nipissing up 39-30 at halftime and set up an exciting second half.

Nipissing extended their lead to 11 points after a 22-20 advantage in the third and 61-50 lead through 30 minutes.

In the fourth, with the game still very much in the balance, Laurentian fought back and closed the gap late.

Nipissing put up 21 points, but Laurentian's 28 had the game going right down to the wire.

The teams traded baskets, as Jordon Campbell and Jerron Rhodes scored late for Nipissing to give Nipissing a bit more of a cushion as Laurentian pushed to tie the game.

In the end, the Lakers held on to move back into third place in the division and keep a strong position in the playoff standings.

Marcus Lewis led the Lakers with 21 points, Ismael Kaba had 11 and Jaaden Lewis and Jordan Roberts added 10 each in the key victory.

Nipissing now faces Algoma on the road Feb. 18 to close out the regular season, as they prep for the playoffs.