The York University men's basketball team defeated the Nipissing Lakers in their opening game of 2019 by a score of 73-64 on Friday evening at Robert J Surtees Student Athletics Centre.
 
The Lions were off to a strong start picking up a big lead on the Lakers 16-5 midway through the first quarter. The Lions ended the quarter with 22-16 lead.
 
The Lions continued to lead the Lakers at the start of the second quarter, however the Lakers managed to close the large lead to just two-points with three minutes remaining in the half. The Lakers eventually tied the Lions 26-26, and after free throw, the Lakers led the Lions for the first time 27-26. It was the Lakers who added one more extra basket in the final minutes, to lead 36-34 at the end of the half.
 
The final two quarters were a tough battle for the Lions as the Lakers kept the score close. The Lions reclaimed their lead early into the third quarter 39-38 and finished the quarter with a 55-46 lead. Despite the Lakers cutting it close midway through the fourth quarter, the Lions were strong offensively and defensively to secure their win after a huge three-pointer to lead by ten points, 71-61. The Lions ended the game with a 73-64 victory.
 
The Lions will compete again tomorrow, Jan. 5 against the Laurentian Voyageurs in Sudbury, Ont. The game is scheduled to start at 8pm.