Make it four in a row, make it .500 and make it a red hot Nipissing Lakers men's basketball team.

The Lakers used a dominant start and hot shooting early on build up a big cushion as they cruised to a 79-69 victory over the Guelph Gryphons Friday night.

The Lakers led 22-5 after the opening 10 minutes thanks to an 18-0 run to begin the game and while Guelph pushed back late, Nipissing played well down the stretch and picked up the win.

The win has Nipissing at 8-8 and in a spot to host a playoff game, if the season were to wrap up today.

Regardless of the standings at this point, the Lakers are one of the hottest teams in the OUA and Friday night was an example.

Four players ended up in double digits, including Marcus Lewis' team-high 15 points, Marvin Ngonadi added 12, Justin Shaver had 11 points and nine rebounds and Ismael Kaba put up 10 in the win.

After the great start for Nipissing, the second quarter was far more even, as the Gryphons held an 18-17 advantage, but still trailed by 16 at halftime.

Nipissing extended the lead in the third quarter after posting 26 points.

After 30 minutes of play, the Lakers led 65-40 and while they allowed 29 in the final quarter, they held on for the victory.

The fourth quarter aside, it was a complete effort from the Lakers and moving forward, they'll need more efforts like Friday night's to continue to climb the OUA standings.

Up next is Lakehead, with tip-off set for 8pm at the RJS Athletic Centre.