In need of wins in their final three games, the Nipissing Lakers men's basketball team was back at it Saturday night.

After a loss to Queen's Friday, Nipissing entertained the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks, as both teams battle for the final few playoff spots.

The Lakers couldn't recover from a bit of a slow start, despite fighting back in the second half, ultimately losing 78-65.

The Lakers trailed Ontario Tech 16-11 late in the first and found themselves just behind the Ridgebacks, 18-14, after 10 minutes of play.

In the second, Nipissing gained some momentum and cut into the deficit, but couldn't sustain the pressure as they Lakers trailed Ontario Tech 40-28 at the halftime break.

Coming out of halftime, the Lakers were down nine, 53-44, looking to keep the game in striking distance.

The deficit grew to 13, as Nipissing trailed 63-50 after 30 minutes of play.

Ontario Tech began to runaway with the game, going ahead by 18 midway through the fourth quarter.

In the end, the Ridgebacks outlasted the Lakers, winning by 13 points.

Alvin Icyogere led the Lakers with 20 points, Alex Blackmore had 14 and Ricardo Neves had a double-double, posting 13 points and 11 rebounds.

Nipissing hits the road for a mid-week game, travelling to Sudbury to take on Laurentian Wednesday night.

Tip-off is set for 8pm.