Box Score In a key game in terms of the playoff picture, the Nipissing Lakers men's basketball team hosted the Queen's Gaels Friday night.

Coming off a big win last week, the Lakers are looking to make a jump late in the season, but came up short on Friday, losing 86-70 to the Gaels.

Both teams seem to realize the importance of the matchup, as they showed a lot of energy right from the opening tip-off.

After one, the Lakers trailed Queen's 17-15 in a back and forth opening 10 minutes.

The Lakers would grab the lead early in the second, scoring five straight points to go up 20-17.

Queen's responded quickly, outscoring the Lakers 8-5 during a bit of a run to even the game up at 25-25 late in the half.

The teams continued to trade baskets, but also get some stops defensively as neither team allowed much separation.

At the halftime break, the Lakers held a 35-33 lead over the Gaels.

In the second half, the Gaels managed to get their offence going, scoring 53 points and outscoring the Lakers 53-35 as they grabbed control of the game.

An eight point advantage in the third gave the Gaels a lead they wouldn't relinquish.

They took a 61-55 lead into the fourth quarter and put the game away with 25 more points.

Nipissing tried to answer, but only managed 15 and dropped the decision.

David Bokanga posted a team-high 18 points, Nathan Riley had 16, Ricardo Neves scored 14 and Jack Hagerty added 10 in the loss.

The same two teams are back at it Saturday evening, with game time set for 7:30pm in North Bay.