Box Score As they continue their homestand, the Nipissing Lakers women's basketball was looking to get back into the win column.

Hosting the McMaster Marauders Friday night, ahead of a matchup with the York Lions, the Lakers had a chance to grab some momentum as the season heads into the final stretch.

Shorthanded due to injuries, the Lakers put in a quality 40 minutes, but dropped a 83-70 decision to a strong Marauders program.

A strong start had the Lakers out 10-5 midway through the first quarter and battled their way to an 18-14 advantage after 10 minutes of play.

McMaster stormed back in the second quarter, outscoring Nipissing 14-8 to grab a 28-27 lead midway through.

Thanks to a late push in the half, the Lakers took a 39-37 lead into the break.

In the third, McMaster used a strong 10 minutes to regain the lead and take over the game, as they ended 30 minutes of play up 65-58.

As they've done all season, the Lakers continued to battle and stick around, closing the gap to six points late in the game.

McMaster pulled away late, eventually outscoring Nipissing 18-12 in the final frame, claiming the 13-point victory.  

Chantal Piche had a big game, posting 20 points, Megan McCarter added 17 and Sophie Milner chipped in with nine for the Lakers.

The Lakers host the Lions Saturday night at the Robert J. Surtees Athletic Centre.

Tip-off is set for 6pm.