Coming off a weekend split on the road, the Nipissing Lakers women's basketball team was back in action at home Friday night.

The Lakers played host to the powerful Carleton Ravens looking for an upset against the undefeated Ravens.

Despite a strong start and finish, Nipissing fell 88-53 to the Ravens.

In an exciting and fast-paced opening quarter, the teams traded baskets early and sat tied 12-12 midway.

The Ravens took control late, outscoring Nipissing 12-6 to close things out and led 24-18 after one quarter.

In the second, Nipissing kept pace with the Ravens, but still trailed by eight, 31-23, midway through the quarter.

At the halftime break, the Lakers found themselves down 47-29, but hanging around.

A quick 8-5 stretch for Carleton added to their lead as they went ahead 55-34 on Nipissing early in the third quarter.

Carleton remained out in front and after three quarters, the Lakers trail Carleton 75-40.

In the fourth, the Lakers pushed back and finished strong, sticking with it until the final buzzer.

Matching the Ravens in the final frame wasn't enough, as Nipissing fall in the end.

Megan McCarter, Nicole Budd and Sophie Milner all had 11 points for the Lakers in the contest.

Nipissing is back in action Saturday when they close out their weekend, facing the Ottawa Gee Gees.

Tip-off is set for 6pm at the Robert J. Surtees Athletic Centre.