Box Score 1 As they make a final push towards the playoffs, the Nipissing Lakers men's basketball team's chances took a hit on the weekend.

The Lakers dropped a pair of games during a trip to Toronto, losing 81-75 to the Toronto Varsity Blues and 78-54 to the Ryerson Rams.

On Friday, despite having four players in double digits, the Lakers fell by six to the Varsity Blues in a tight contest.

Toronto led by two after the first quarter, extended that lead to four at halftime and after an even third, sealed the win in the final quarter.

Nipissing hung in there, scoring at least 18 points each quarter, but was unable to close the gap enough to take the lead and run with it.

Will Tran had a big game coming off the bench scoring 17 points.

Quintin Ashitei continued his strong play with 147 points, his brother Shandon had 13 and Marcus Lewis added 12 in the loss.

In the second game, a tough first half put the Lakers in trouble early on.

Trailing 18-10 after the first and 39-21 at halftime, Nipissing once again couldn't put together a run to get back into the game.

Ryerson built their lead in the third and carried a 64-33 advantage into the fourth frame.

Nipissing posted 21 points in the final 10 minutes to try to cut into their deficit, but it wasn't enough as they dropped their second game of the weekend.

Lewis led the way with 18 points, while Justin Hill added 10.

Nipissing remains on the road and faces Queens and York next weekend.