MBB | Laurentian Survives Stumble on the Road Versus Nipissing

Coming off a disappointing loss, Laurentian's men's basketball team travelled down the road to take on the Nipissing Lakers for a weeknight brawl. After a late comeback by the Lakers, the Voyageurs stood tall and held on for an 82-71 road win.

The Vees opened up the game with a bullpen performance. Seven different players contributed points to the tally, setting a new season high for a single quarter. Laurentian pulled away with the lead halfway through the first quarter, with help from a corner three by Angel Castellanos and a fastbreak dunk coming from the hops of Ismael Konate. Completing a 10-2 run to close the quarter, the Voyageurs found themselves leading 20-8. 

The short break proved helpful to reigning Athlete of the Week, Brice Fandio. Fandio got the quarter started with a pair of baskets in the paint, opening the door for Favour Ugbah. The Winnipeg native got his rally started with a eurostep layup coming off a steal of his own, and on the very next possession, the guard cleanly added three to the board from a pass by To Randriasalama. Ugbah closed LU's half with another make from deep, heading into the break leading 43-27.

Laurentian had a big hiccup to begin the second half. Despite the Voyageurs leading by double-digit points and a quick offensive start, Nipissing started to claw back at the lead. Due to defensive missteps and poor shot selection, the Vees' advantage was cut to four. However, thanks to a mid-game adjustment and a regroup on defence, LU insisted on a win. 

A lead was rebuilt again, thanks to offensive contributions from Ugbah and Randriasalama. A combined five threes in the fourth quarter helped cushion their lead and finish the game with an 82-71 win. 

Resilience was a key lesson from the win. After a late-game stumble, the Voyageurs never gave up the lead. Leaders showed up when they were needed the most, and role players fulfilled their responsibilities beautifully.

The win also ties up the 705 Challenge Cup, the annual aggregate competition between Laurentian and Nipissing, which will be decided on January 28th when Nipissing visits the Ben Avery Gym.

Laurentian improves to 5-4 on the season and will face off against York this weekend, eager to build on their momentum of five wins over their last six games.

- Brendan Rubin