The University of Windsor Lancers men's basketball team opened their 2025-26 OUA regular season with a 76-71 overtime win at the Nipissing Lakers on Friday, October 24 in North Bay, Ont.

GAME STATS 
The Lancers success came from outshooting the Lakers, posting a 40.6% field goal percentage compared to Nipissing's 33.8%. Three Windsor players reached double digits in scoring, led by Bronson Chambers with a team-high 19 points, while Emanuel Otong added 13 and Luke Grace contributed 12. Their balanced scoring and efficient shooting helped power Windsor to the overtime victory. 
 
GAME FLOW 
Following an undefeated preseason with five win, the Lancers started their season opener against the Lakers with back-and-forth play from the start. Both teams traded leads in an exciting first quarter with multiple momentum shifts. Despite a late surge from Jeziyah Excell-Johnson for Nipissing, the Lancers kept it close, trailing 19-16 after the opening frame. 

Windsor seized the lead early in the second quarter on a Luke Grace three-pointer, maintaining a 30-24 advantage at halftime. The third quarter saw Nipissing fight back, fueled by strong rebounding and scoring from Chris-Evrard Malonga and Alvin Icyogere as the Lakers outscored the Lancers 24-17 to enter the final quarter with a narrow 48-47 lead. 

The fourth quarter was a tense battle, with both teams trading baskets and the lead changing hands multiple times. Chambers scored 15 of his 19 points in the final frame, while Otong contributed key defensive plays, including a block and a steal. Regulation ended tied at 66-66, forcing overtime. 

The Lancers pulled away in the extra period, outscoring Nipissing 10-5. Otong added four points and two rebounds, and Andrew Cook chipped in five points and an assist to secure a Windsor season-opening 76-71 victory.
 
UP NEXT 
The Lancers are back in action tomorrow night against the Laurentian Voyageurs in Sudbury, Ont. as they look to continue their strong start to the season. The game is scheduled for 8 p.m. on Saturday, October 24 and can be streamed online via oua.tv.