Box Score Hitting the court for their final game of the 2022-23 OUA season, the Nipissing Lakers men's basketball was looking to close things out in style.

The Lakers entertained the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks Saturday night at the Robert J. Surtees Athletic Centre in the final game for both teams.

The Lakers came up just short against Ontario Tech, falling 88-85 despite a great comeback effort.

In the opening quarter, Nipissing finished strong to grab a 23-22 lead after 10 minutes.

The second quarter was very similar to the first as the team traded baskets with neither team unable to take control of the game.

With 30 seconds left in the half, the teams were tied 40-40 and a late basket gave the Ridgebacks a two point lead heading into the halftime break, as they were up 42-40.

Looking to mount a comeback in the third quarter, the Lakers were unable to keep the Ridgebacks at bay, as Ontario Tech extended their lead and led by three with two minutes to go in the quarter.

After 30 minutes, the Ridgebacks held a 63-54 lead on the Lakers with one quarter left in the season.

The offence exploded in the fourth quarter as the teams combined for 56 points.

Nipissing erased a nine point deficit and had the game within just a few points late.

The Lakers had two last-second chances, but neither shot fell as they came up short in the end despite posting 31 points in the quarter and outscoring Ontario Tech by six.

Muktar Mohamed led the Lakers with 19 points, Danny Lukusa had 16, David Bokanga added 12 and Noah LaPierre had 11 in the contest.