Box Score With only three games left on the schedule, the Nipissing Lakers women's basketball team was looking to finish strong and head into the off-season on a night note.

They began the final few games of the year Friday night, hosting the Algoma Thunderbirds at the Robert J. Surtees Athletic Centre.

After an even first half, Nipissing pulled away in the second half and battled their way to a 77-70 victory on Indigenous Cultural Celebration Night.

A quick start by the Lakers saw them up 13-8 early before the Thunderbirds stormed back and finished the opening period up 21-18.

In the second, down seven at one point, the Lakers fought back to close the gap.

They used a late push and a buzzer-beater by Kennedy Joyce to climb within three after 20 minutes of play.

At halftime, the Lakers trailed the Thunderbirds 43-40.

Nipissing managed to close the gap and even things up in the third, outscoring Algoma 11-8, sending the teams to the third quarter break, tied 51-51.

In the fourth, the Lakers exploded for 26 points, a game-high, and took control of the game, outscoring Algoma by seven points to come away with the win.

Chantal Piche led the Lakers with 18 points, Taryn Gauthier had 17, Megan McCarter had a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds and Katelyn DeCook and Dominique Bouchard each added 10 in the win.

Nipissing plays their final home game of the season next Friday as they take on the Guelph Gryphons.

Tip-off is 6pm at the RJS Athletic Centre.