Box Score Looking to close out the first half of the season on a high note, the Nipissing Lakers men's basketball team began their final weekend of 2022 by hosting the Laurier Golden Hawks.

Both the Lakers and Hawks entered the weekend coming off a weekend split, so both were looking to get on a run to close out the year.

The Hawks were able to build an early lead and hold on late, topping the Lakers 80-65.

In the opening quarter, Laurier got the jump on Nipissing taking control early.

They built up an 18-14 lead and ended the quarter up 23-18.

Laurier added to their lead in the second, outscoring the Lakers 18-16 as they headed into the halftime break up 41-34.

Nipissing struggled to cut into their deficit, as the Hawks continued to pour it on.

The Lakers were once again outscored in the third, this time 63-50 as they found themselves down by 13 heading into the fourth quarter.

Nipissing fought back early in the fourth, cutting their deficit to single digits and only trailed by six midway through the quarter.

Thanks to an 11-6 run, they were down 65-59.

Unfortunately, the Hawks regained their early form and built their lead back up, cruising to the win thanks to a 15-6 run down the stretch, finishing things off in the 15 point victory.

Muktar Mohamed had a strong game, posting 19 points, Danny Lukusa had 14 and Noah LaPierre added 10 in the contest.

The Lakers wrap up the semester with a game tomorrow night against the Waterloo Warriors.

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