Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 Despite a battling on the road against two strong opponents, the Nipissing Lakers men's basketball team came up short to begin the season this past weekend.

Against one of the OUA's top teams, the Lakers fell 93-47 to the Queen's Gaels Saturday night to begin the season.

Sunday, in a game they led for most of the way, the Lakers dropped a tough 81-77 overtime decision against Ontario Tech.

Saturday night, the Lakers couldn't keep pace with the high-powered Gaels, who jumped out to an early lead and controlled the game throughout the contest.

Nipissing trailed 20-11 after one and 45-21 at the halftime break.

While they finished strong with 17 points in the fourth quarter, it wasn't enough to recover from an early deficit.

Offensively, Alex Blackmore with 12 points and Jack Hagerty with 11, led the way.

Sunday, after an even first quarter, the Lakers had a big second, grabbing a 41-32 lead at halftime.

Ontario Tech cut into that lead in the fourth, then tied the game and sending the contest into overtime.

They continued the momentum from the fourth quarter and edged the Lakers in the extra frame, escaping with a win.

Leading the way offensively for Nipissing was Darnaz Mabanza with 29 points, while Blackmore added 24 and Taijon Graham had 11 in the contest.

Next up, the Lakers will host the Ridgebacks and Gales this weekend.

Friday's tip-off is set for 8pm against Ontario Tech, while Saturday's contest starts at 6pm against Queen's.

Both games are at the Robert J. Surtees Athletic Centre.