It wasn't the start to the New Year the Nipissing Lakers men's basketball team was hoping for, when they hit the court for a pair of home games this weekend.

The Lakers, after falling Friday night, dropped a tough 84-63 decision to the Queens Gaels to wrap up the weekend Saturday night.

A slow start put Nipissing behind the eight-ball and they weren't able to recover enough through the remaining 30 minutes.

Down eight after one, 22-14, the Lakers fought back in the second quarter and cut their deficit by outscoring Queens by five.

At halftime, Nipissing was only down three, 32-29.

The third quarter hurt Nipissing, as they surrendered 29 points and their three point disadvantage became a 61-44 deficit.

Down 17, trying to mount a comeback, the Lakers were unable to muster enough offence, but also couldn't stop the Gaels.

While they put up 19, Queens answered with 23 and sealed the 21 point victory to hand Nipissing their second defeat of the weekend.

Quintin Ashitei led the way with 17 points and Jordan Roberts added 12 in the matchup.

Nipissing hosts Ottawa and Carleton next weekend at the RJS Athletic Centre.