NORTH BAY, Ont – A game-high 18 points from Justin Shaver helped the Nipissing Lakers defeat the Western Mustangs by a 71-52 score on Saturday night at the Robert. J. Surtees Centre.

This marks the Mustangs third consecutive loss to begin the season, while the Lakers split their first two games landing them fourth in the OUA North Division Standings.

Omar Shiddo led the Mustangs on Saturday, registering 16 points. Jedson Tavernier followed with 13 points and led the team with six rebounds, while teammate Eriq Jenkins recorded 11 points.

Shaver not only led all players in scoring, he also topped the scoresheet with 11 rebounds to record the double-double. Following close behind for the Lakers were Marcus Lewis and Jordon Campbell, who contributed 14 points apiece with Jaaden Lewis right behind with 13.

It was a tough battle for the Mustangs throughout the game, and after a back and forth first quarter, the Mustangs took the lead at the end of the first frame with a last second layup by Omar Shiddo that made it 19-18 for Western heading into the second.

Nipissing limited the Mustangs offence to 10 points in both the second and third quarter, outscoring the Mustangs 18-10 and 19-10 respectively to take a 55-39 lead into the final frame.

Unfortunately for the Mustangs, the Lakers would close things out with 16 points in the fourth to take a 71-52 win.

The Mustangs head to Thunder Bay to take on the Lakehead Thunderwolves on Friday, November 18 at the C.J. Sanders Fieldhouse. Tip-off is at 8:00p.m. and can be watched live on OUA.tv.