Unfortunately for the Nipissing Lakers women's basketball team, a strong first half didn't translate into a victory Friday night.

Nipissing scored 28 points and trailed by just 11 at the break, but only posted 19 points in the second half and fell by a final of 71-47 to the Guelph Gryphons at the RJS Athletic Centre.

A strong first quarter had the Lakers down just three, as both teams came out with good pace and strong shooting.

Nipissing held a 15-13 lead late, but in the final minute, Guelph scored six straight points, but overall the opening 10 minutes were even.

Guelph extended their lead to 22-15 early in the second, but Nipissing fought back and were only behind three, 27-24, midway through the second quarter.

Once again, however, Guelph took over late outscoring Nipissing 11-4 down the stretch to take an 11 point lead into the intermission.

Guelph took control of the game in the third, putting up 16 points, but the Lakers refused to stay down, scoring 12 of their own.

Twelve was the closest Nipissing would get, but in the fourth, the Gryphons sealed it.

They held a 16-7 advantage and finishing the game off, winning by 24.

Leading the Lakers in scoring was Claire Abbott with 12 points and Michaela Branker with 11 points.

???????Nipissing faces Lakehead Saturday at 6pm to wrap up the weekend, as the season winds its way to the final few weekends.