Host Niles was unable to stop Mishawaka in the paint, and as a result, dropped a 56-52 non-league boys basketball decision to the Cavemen Saturday night.

After trailing 14-11 at the first break, the Vikings rallied to tie the score at 22-22 by halftime.

However, Mishawaka outscored Niles 17-10 in the third quarter to open up a 39-32 advantage heading to the final frame.

A 20-point fourth quarter for the Vikings was not enough to overcome the third quarter deficit.

Peyton Staples scored a game-high 23 points to lead a trio of Cavemen in double figures. Jacob Schmatz added 14 and Jordan Arch 11.

Gavin Rasler led Niles with 14 points and six rebounds, while Gabe Stokes added 13.

 

MISHAWAKA 56, NILES 52

Mishawaka 56

Peyton Staples 7 9-11 23, Jacob Schmatz 6 2-2 14, Jordan Arch 3 2-2 11, Luke Shively 1 2-2 4, Cody Quier 0 4-5 4, Tre’Sean Jefferies 0 0-0 0, Jonah Knip 0 0-0 0, Sandon Wilson 0 0-0 0. TOTALS 17 19-22 56

Niles 52

Gavin Rasler 5 2-4 14, Jacob Hamm 3 2-2 9, Ray Glenn 2 1-2 5, Tyler Phillips 1 0-0 2, Adam Langmeyer 1 0-0 3, Gabe Stokes 4 2-2 13, Donte Murphy 2 2-2 6, Alex Harpenau 0 0-2 0, Derek Brown 0 0-0 0, Samuel Rodts 0 0-0 0. TOTALS 18 9-14 52

 

Mishawaka     14       22       39       56

Niles                11       22       32       52

3-point baskets: Mishawaka 3 (Arch 3), Niles 7 (Stokes 3, Rasler 3, Hamm 1, Langmeyer 1). Total fouls (fouled out): Mishawaka 12, (none), Niles 20 (none). J.V. score: Mishawaka 52, Niles 26. Varsity records: Mishawaka 4-5, Niles 2-3