Box Score Hoping to earn a weekend split and head into the Christmas break on a winning note, the Nipissing Lakers men's basketball team hit the court Saturday night at home.

The Lakers welcomed the Waterloo Warriors to the Robert J. Surtees Athletic Centre for a clash between teams coming off losses Friday night.

Nipissing bounced back in a big way, using a big fourth quarter to claim a 75-66 win and go into the break with their third win of the season.

The teams played an even first quarter, with the Lakers pulling away and grabbing a late lead only to see the Warriors push back and tie the game late in the quarter.

After 10 minutes, the teams were all even, 18-18.

Waterloo had early control in the second, going on a 12-6 run to begin the frame and going ahead 30-24 midway through.

After the early run by the Warriors, the Lakers responded and evened things up going on a 10-4 run to close out the half.

At the break, Nipissing and Waterloo were tied 34-34.

In the third, neither team gave an inch and each shot was contested at both ends of the court.

Nipissing jumped out to a 47-40 lead thanks to a 13-6 run, but Waterloo stormed back, outscoring the Lakers 14-6 in the final four minutes of the quarter to take a one point lead into the fourth quarter.

With Waterloo up 54-53 to begin the fourth quarter, the Lakers dominated the final 10 minutes and took the game over.

They outscored the Warriors 22-12 to turn a one point deficit into a nine point victory, their second in as many weekends.

The 75-66 win gives Nipissing a weekend split and sends them into the Christmas break on a positives.

Noah LaPierre led the way for the Lakers with 20 points, Danny Lukusa had 14, D'Andre Johnson had 12 and Ricardo Neves and Kevin Mervart each chipped in with 10 in the victory.

Saturday's game wraps up the first half of the season for Nipissing.

The Lakers will be back in action in the New Year.