.JPG;w=960)
The energy in the gym was ecstatic as Nipissing kicked off the 2017-18 season against the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks.
Unfortunately, in the end, the Lakers would come out on the wrong end of a 84-56 decision to Laurier.
Nipissing had everyone cheering as they scored the first basket of the game and got off to a quick start.
Laurier was back in the game fast with another basket and the Hawks continued this all the way to a quick nine points.
Shots continued to drop back and forth evenly between both teams until the end of the quarter finishing with the Hawks up 20-13.
As the teams took the court for the second quarter, play continued with both teams gaining on the scoreboard.
Unfortunately, Nipissing couldn’t crack the Laurier lead and the second ended with Laurier in control, up 48-31.
Going into the third, the crowd continued to amp up the players.
Laurier seemed to feed off the vibes as much as Nipissing as they kept their lead and held an advantage of 58-41 after 30 minutes.
Tensions began rising in the fourth quarter as a few different players needed to be separated and fouls handed out.
As the game came to a close, the Lakers were unable to close the gap as the Golden Hawks grabbed the victory with the final score reading 84-56.
Leading the team with 14 points was Marvin Ngonadi with Shandon Ashitei right behind him, scoring 12 points.
The Lakers are back on the court Saturday as they host the Waterloo Warriors.
Tip-off is 8 p.m. at the RJS Athletic Centre.
The Nipissing Lakers women’s basketball team took a loss as they kicked off their season and hosted their home opener this Friday against the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks where they were humbled 83-40.
The women came out with an excess of energy, managing to get ahold of the opening jump ball. Laurier was first to put points on the board draining two foul shots.
Play proceeded up and down the court, unfortunately, with the Lakers trailing behind.
The first quarter ending 25-8 for the Golden Hawks, who were shooting very well coming out of the gates.
As the second quarter began, the Lakers brought the same energy they erupted with at the start of the game.
Despite Nipissing’s best efforts, the Golden Hawks continued to excel, ending the second quarter and half up 52-24.
As the second half kicked off and play proceeded into the third, it was difficult to tell the Lakers were down by 28 points when watching them play.
The fourth quarter played out much like the last with Laurier continuously pulling ahead and our women pushing through to a final score of 83-40.
Heidi Smith led the team with 12 points and Devanee Dewey was right behind her with 11 points.
Nipissing is back on the court Saturday night when they host the Waterloo Warriors.
Tip-off is 6 p.m. at the RJS Athletic Centre.
