The Nipissing Lakers men's basketball team welcomed the Ryerson Rams to the RJ Surtees Athletic Centre Friday night for the team's home opener.

After starting on the road, the Lakers were excited to get back on their home court and play a regular season game after an almost two-year pause.

In the end, it was the Lakers coming away with an absolutely incredible victory, edging Ryerson 98-97 in double overtime for their first victory of the season.

A tight first quarter saw the teams trade baskets for the most part, with the Rams escaping up a few.

They earned a bit of a cushion midway through the frame and stretched it into a six-point lead, 23-17, after the opening 10 minutes.

At the halftime break, the Lakers trailed by just five – 40-35.

Another extremely tight quarter saw both teams grab some momentum and look to take control of the contest, but neither was able to wrestle it away.

Nipissing pulled with one after 30 minutes of play, hitting a buzzer-beater to end the quarter and found themselves down just 66-65.

The excitement continued in the fourth and final quarter, with both teams finding success on the offensive side of the games.

The game stayed within four points for most of the quarter and with three minutes remaining, Nipissing trailed by just two – 75-73.

Things went down to the wire, as the Lakers stormed back to tie the game late and force overtime.

Nipissing trailed early in the first overtime, but bounced back to once again even things up and send the game to a second extra period.

In double overtime, Nipissing grabbed a four-point lead only to see Ryerson answer and tie the game.

The Rams led by one with 20 seconds remaining, but Nipissing wasn't going to be denied.

They surged late and scored the game-winning basket with 0.3 seconds left and came away with the win.

Nick Gehlen led the way with 28 points, Shandon Ashitei had 26, Dany Lukusa and Nathan Riley each had 14 and David Bokanga added 10 in the thrilling victory.

The teams hit the court once again to wrap up the weekend Saturday afternoon at 4pm at the RJ Surtees Athletic Centre.