While they hung with the league's top team for much of the game, the Nipissing Lakers men's basketball team came up short in the end.

A solid, gritty effort wasn't enough as the Lakers dropped Friday night's contest 78-59 to the still undefeated Ravens.

The Lakers came out looking strong as they scored the first basket, hoping it would set the tone for the game.

With playing being relatively even, the first quarter ended 15-9 in favour of Carleton, but Nipissing was very much alive.

Another strong 10-minute period saw Nipissing down by just nine at halftime, 39-30, and with striking distance when the teams returned to the court.

The third quarter was very high tempo, full of good shots and hard-fought rebounds. By the end of the third quarter the score favoured Carleton 54-43, but the game was still very much in reach for the Lakers.

A final push wasn't enough and in the end, Nipissing simply couldn't overcome the Ravens, as Carleton escaped with a 78-59 victory.

Justin Shaver had a strong game, scoring 15 points, Marcus Lewis added 13, Ismael Kaba added 12 and Jaaden Lewis had 10 in Friday's contest with Carleton.

Nipissing is back in action Saturday night when they host Ottawa at 8pm.