A big fourth quarter sealed the first victory of the year for the Nipissing Lakers men's basketball team, as they edged Ontario Tech Saturday night.

The Lakers led for the majority of the game, but sealed the win late in the game to improve to 1-1, defeating the Ridgebacks 86-73 to wrap up the weekend.

After a slow start, the Lakers pushed the pace and took the lead into the first quarter break, up 19-16.

Both teams pick up the offence in the second frame, but it was once again the Lakers who pulled away late outscoring Ontario Tech 21-18 to extend their lead heading into halftime to six.

Up 40-34 when the third quarter began, the Lakers caught fire, but the Ridgebacks answered and the teams combined for 48 points, but the difference remained the same as when the period began.

Nipissing pulled away in the final 10 minutes, putting up another 22 points, outscoring Ontario Tech by seven to pick up the win by 13.

The scoreboard read 86-73 when the final buzzer sounded.

Will Tran led the Lakers attack with 21 points, Shandon Ashitei had 17, Quintin Ashitei scored 15 and Justin Hill added 13 in tonight's victory.

Nipissing is back in action next weekend when they host the Windsor Lancers Saturday night.