Box Score It wasn't the start the Nipissing Lakers men's basketball team had in mind when they hit the road to begin the 2018-19 season.

Facing their rivals, the Laurentian Voyageurs, the Lakers were outscored in all four quarters and dropped their season opener 98-76 to the Vees Wednesday night.

The teams won't meet again until Feb. 1 when they hit the court at the RJS Athletic Centre to wrap up the 705 Challenge Cup.

Laurentian held a slight lead at the end of the first quarter, up 20-17.

They extended their lead at halftime, but only by four and led 40-33 at the break.

They pushed their lead to 16 after 30 minutes of play thanks to a big third where they put up 32 points while Nipissing only managed 23.

Down 72-56 at the end of three, Nipissing looked to fight back, but Laurentian sealed the win in the fourth, adding to their lead and finishing with a 26-20 advantage in the final frame.

The end result was a 22-point loss for the Lakers.

Marcus Lewis led the Lakers in scoring with 25 points, Justin Hill had 16, Russell Baker added 15 and Jordan Roberts chipped in with 12.

Nipissing will be looking to bounce back when they host the Lakehead Thunderwolves Friday night.

Game time is 8pm at the RJS Athletic Centre.