Despite being outshot, the Lakers were poised to make it two wins in a row Friday night, leading 2-0 for much of the game.
A late push by the visiting Queens Gaels saw that lead disappear and the Lakers dropped a heartbreaking 3-2 decision to Queens at Memorial Gardens.
Nipissing came out strong, scoring twice in the first period.
Gael Lubwele continued his strong season, opening up the scoring on the power play.
Matt Donnelly, who finished with two points, and Kylor Wall picked up assists.
And just seconds before the period ended, Donnelly made it 2-0, scoring a power play goal of his own.
Captain Erik Robichaud picked up the lone helper on the insurance goal.
After a scoreless second, the Gaels struck three times in the final frame.
The first goal came just before the midway point of the period, with the game-tying goal and winner coming within the final three minutes.
The winner was scored with just 13 seconds remaining, spoiling even a point for Nipissing.
Brent Moran stood on his head, finishing with 51 saves, while the Lakers fired 27 at the Gaels net.
Nipissing is back in action in a pivotal game Saturday, hosting RMC in the annual Military Appreciation Night.
Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. at Memorial Gardens.
It’s safe to say the Nipissing Lakers women’s basketball team and the Laurentian Voyageurs put on a show.
Friday night's contest between the Lakers and Vees was as entertaining as it comes, but in the end, the Lakers fell short, falling 75-64 to Laurentian in their final meeting of the season.
An exciting first quarter saw the Lakers come out with a 20-19 advantage thanks to some hot shooting and good speed in transition.
Laurentian answered in a big way in the second quarter, outscoring Nipissing 21-10 to take a 40-30 lead into halftime.
The third quarter was Nipissing’s best, as they posted 22 points to close within one after 30 minutes of play.
Laurentian hung around in the third and managed to maintain the lead, despite Nipissing’s push.
With the scored 53-52 in favour of the Vees after three quarters, Laurentian ran away with the game and sealed it in the fourth.
The Vees put up 22 points, with Nipissing managing just 12.
That 10-point gap was enough for Laurentian to escape with the victory and sweep the season series.
Michaela Branker had a big game, posting 23 points, while Jamie Soffer added 18 and Maria Walsh had nine in tonight's contest.
Nipissing wraps up the home portion of their season next weekend, hosting Ryerson and Toronto at the RJS Athletic Centre.
Both games are set for 6 p.m. tip-off.
A tough second half spoiled an outstanding effort and game for the Nipissing Lakers men’s basketball team.
The Lakers battled until the end and had a chance to tie the game on a last second shot, but fell 71-68 to the Laurentian Voyageurs Friday night.
The first quarter was tight, with Nipissing coming away with a 17-16 advantage.
They extended their lead in the second quarter, outscoring the Voyageurs 19-17 to take a 36-33 into the halftime break.
In the third, Laurentian turned the game in their favour.
They outscored Nipissing 25-15 to grab the lead 58-51 heading into the fourth and final quarter.
The Lakers fought back, putting up 17 points in the final frame to draw within three, but a late push and a shot at the buzzer didn’t go for Nipissing.
Laurentian swept the season series thanks to Friday’s three point, 71-68, victory.
Marcus Lewis led the way 26 points and Will Tran added 16 in tonight's contest against Laurentian.
Nipissing hosts Ryerson and Toronto next weekend to close out the home portion of the regular season
