With the post-season very much within reach, the Nipissing Lakers men's basketball team hit the court for two key games this weekend.

Friday the Lakers entertained the Queen's Gaels, with their game Saturday scheduled against the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks.

To begin the weekend, Nipissing once again ran into a strong-shooting team, falling 123-72 to the Gaels.

The Lakers came out strong, building up a 16-14 lead early in the first quarter, but the Gaels quickly replied.

After one, the Lakers trail 31-23, but were keeping pace with a national ranked Gaels team.

The Lakers deficit sat at 10 points, as they were down 44-34, midway through the second quarter, looking to close the gap before the halftime whistle.

Unfortunately for Nipissing, the Gaels started heating up late in the half and extended their lead to 19, up 59-40 after 20 minutes of play.

Queen's continued to take control of the game, pushing their lead as they went up 70-50 in the third quarter.

The score was 92-55 after three and Queen's hit 100 early in the fourth, leading 105-58 with five minutes to go.

The Lakers were unable to stop the Gaels as Queen's claimed the win.

Alvin Icyogere led the Lakers with 13 points, while Ricardo Neves had 12 in the contest.

Nipissing is back in action Saturday when they host the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks.

Tip-off is set for 8pm at the Robert J. Surtees Athletic Centre.