MBB | Vees Capture Comeback Win Over Nipissing

After a January filled with heartbreak and triumph, the Laurentian Men's Basketball team closed the month out on a high note, defeating the Nipissing Lakers 83-74. Trailing for much of the contest, the Voyageurs erupted in the fourth quarter to secure the rivalry win.

Laurentian opened the game with energy, using early defence and transition offence to capture a 21-18 lead after the first quarter. Brice Fandio set the tone offensively, while Ismael Konate controlled the paint and the glass, helping the Vees generate second-chance opportunities.

The second frame belonged to the visitors. Nipissing found its rhythm offensively, stringing together perimeter shooting and capitalizing on Laurentian turnovers. Despite timely baskets from To Randriasalama and Toby Ezenwa, the Lakers pulled away late into the half, taking a 45-35 advantage through the break.

Laurentian looked to respond after a brief rest, but Nipissing continued to dictate the pace through much of the third quarter. Konate sank an early three, and Fandio added points, slashing at the rim, yet LU continued to trail 65-57 heading into the final frame, where the script was entirely flipped.

In the final ten minutes, the Voyageurs outscored Nipissing 26-9, locking in defensively and finding timely scoring across the court. Ezenwa's three-pointer midway through the quarter gave Laurentian its first lead since the opening minutes, erupting the Ben Avery Gymnasium. From there, Fandio took over, attacking passing lanes, finishing through contact, and sealing the win at the free-throw line, capping off a 33-point outing.

Konate once again anchored the defensive effort, swatting shots and cleaning up the glass as Laurentian completed the comeback. The team has a slight rest before they take on Guelph in the Sudbury Arena on Saturday.

- Brendan Rubin