Box Score A complete effort on the road helped the Nipissing Lakers men's basketball team pick up their first win of the second half of the season and get 2023 off to a great start.

Facing the Algoma Thunderbirds on the road Friday night, the Lakers slipped past Algoma 86-75, in part thanks to a huge effort from guard Muktar Mohammed.

In a competitive half, the Lakers took an early lead, going up 18-12 after the first quarter.

Algoma responded by outscoring the Lakers 23-19 in the second frame, but it was Nipissing who took an advantage into the halftime break, up 37-35.

The Lakers extended their lead by three in a high scoring third quarter.

Up 60-55 after three quarters, the Lakers once again found their offensive stride, posting a game-high 26 points to seal the victory.

Mohammed had a monster game, posting 35 points and 11 rebounds, while Noah LaPierre and Ricardo Neves each added 14 points in the Lakers victory.

Nipissing will remain on the road, facing the York Lions and McMaster Marauders next weekend.