The Nipissing Lakers men's basketball team has had quite the schedule of late, playing three straight nationally ranked teams.

They faced the Carleton Ravens, Ottawa Gee Gees and Friday night, the Laurentian Voyageurs.

All three games produced strong efforts, but the results weren't there.

A quick start had the Lakers in good shape, but Laurentian stormed back and earned a 76-59 victory at the Surtees Athletic Centre.

The Lakers began the game with a solid of jump and speed up and down the court and used that hot start to lead after 10 minutes, 15-13.

The Vees answered with a strong quarter of their own, outscoring Nipissing 18-15 in the second.

That strong second had Laurentian up 31-30 at the halftime break.

In the third, the Vees posted 26 points and took control of the game, while Nipissing scored 17.

After three, the Lakers trailed Laurentian 57-47 and were very much in the game, however, the hot shooting and veteran presence of the Vees showed in the fourth.

They locked things down and added 19 points, extending their lead by seven and coming away with the 76-59 win.

Justin Shaver led the Lakers with 17 points, Danny Lukusa and Shandon Ashitei each had 12 and Quintin Ashitei added 11 in the contest.

Nipissing is back in action next weekend when they hit the road to take on York and Lakehead.