A strong start to the game wasn't enough for the Nipissing Lakers men's basketball team, as they pushed the nation's top team, the Carleton Ravens, but came up short.

Nipissing trailed by just six at halftime, but were unable to sustain their pressure and fell to the Ravens 95-58 in the end.

After the opening 10 minutes of back and forth play, the Lakers trailed by just seven, 22-15, but held the Ravens in check for the most part.

In the second quarter, the Lakers were strong on both ends of the court and actually outscored Carleton 17-16 to cut into their deficit.

At halftime, Nipissing's deficit was just six points.

The second half was a different story, however, as the Ravens caught fire offensively and pressured the Lakers, limiting clean chances and open shots.

Carleton scored a combined 54 points in the second half – 29 in the third and 25 in the fourth – to pull away and pick up the win.

The Lakers managed 13 in each of the final two quarters, but the Ravens offence was too much for Nipissing.

Quintin Ashitei led the Lakers offence with 22 points, Danny Lukusa posted 17 points and Justin Shaver added 10 in Friday night's contest.

Nipissing is back in action Saturday night when they host the Ottawa Gee Gees at the Surtees Athletic Centre.

Tip-off is set for 8pm.