The Nipissing Lakers men's basketball has made huge strides since the start of the season and it couldn't be more evident than this weekend.

Taking on two of the country's top teams, the Lakers hung tough Friday against Carleton and Saturday against the Ottawa Gee Gees.

Facing the Gee Gees in the second game of the weekend, the Lakers fought for the full 40 minutes, but came up short, losing 90-65.

Nipissing had a great opening quarter, opening up with a seven point lead, posting 25 points to kick things off.

Unfortunately, the tables turned in the second, as Ottawa answered and scored 26 of their own as they took the lead into halftime.

After 20 minutes of play, Ottawa led Nipissing 44-38, with both teams showing glimpses of taking control of the game, but neither being able to really runaway with the contest.

In the third quarter, Ottawa held a slight edge, but the game was still very much in the balance, with the Gee Gees posting 15 points and Nipissing answered with 14.

After 30 minutes of play, the Lakers trailed the nationally ranked Gee Gees by just seven, 59-52.

The fourth quarter did not go as planned, however, as Ottawa posted 31 points compared to the Lakers 13, as the Gee Gees ran away with the game to escape the Surtees Athletic Centre with a victory.

Justin Shaver had a strong game, scoring 20 points, Girece Kazumba added 17 and Quintin Ashitei scored 14 in Saturday night's contest.

Up next, the Lakers will host the Laurentian Voyageurs Friday night in the next chapter of the 705 Challenge Cup.

Tip-off is set for 8pm at the Surtees Athletic Centre.