Looking to start the season off strong, the Nipissing Lakers men's basketball team had two tough tests to begin the year.

The Lakers hosted the TMU Bold Friday night in their home opener, as they start the campaign with a pair of home games.

An impressive effort and strong game for three quarters saw the Lakers hang in there, but a late push by the Bold gave them the edge, defeating Nipissing 80-63.

Nipissing got off to a strong start, leading 13-11 in the later stages of the quarter, but a string finish by the Bold saw the Lakers trailing 19-18 after 10 minutes.

Ahead of the halftime break, the Bold extended their lead by outscoring the Lakers 28-18 in the second as they take a 47-36 into the intermission.

In the third, the Lakers fought back and closed the gap, edging the Bold 19-15 in the quarter and pulling within seven, down 62-55.

The Bold began to pull away in the fourth, however, building up an 18-point lead late in the quarter and holding off a Lakers push as time ticked down.

The Bold's takeover late propelled them to the 17-point victory, 80-63.

Darnaz Mabanza led the Lakers with 23 points, while Alvin Icyogere added 14 in the contest.

Nipissing faces the Toronto Varsity Blues Saturday night to close out the weekend.

Tip-off is set for 8pm at the RJS Athletic Centre.