Box Score The Nipissing Lakers men's basketball team has been able to play well for most of the season, but have had trouble closing out games, as they look to flip the script on the weekend.

They've been close and are looking to breakthrough Friday night as they host the McMaster Marauders in the first of two home games this weekend.

Things didn't go the Lakers way, as they dropped a tough 104-74 decision to McMaster.

In the opening quarter, the Marauders jumped out to a quick 7-1 lead and grabbed an advantage of 28-17 after 10 minutes of play.

Nipissing tried to keep pace, but still found themselves down 31-21 with seven minutes to go in the half.

The Lakers did close the gap, but still trailed the halftime break, down 54-38.

The Marauders opened things up in the third and the Lakers didn't have an answer, as they extended the lead to 30 at one point, outscoring the Lakers 25-10 through the first seven minutes of the frame.

McMaster added to their lead late in the quarter and headed into the fourth quarter, leading 81-56, thanks to a 27-18 advantage in the third.

While Nipissing tried to chip away and slowly climb back into the game late in the contest, the Marauders continued to extend their lead and build on a healthy advantage.

A quiet end to the fourth saw McMaster eclipse the century mark, claiming a 30-point triumph.

Alex Blackmore led the Lakers with 13 points, Darnaz Mabanza and Nathan Courie each had 11 and Alvin Icyogere added 10 in the contest.

Nipissing will be back on the court Saturday night to take on the York Lions. Tip-off is set for 8pm.