On a poor shooting night from the floor and the free throw line, Niles made just enough plays to hold off visiting Portage Central 41-35 in SMAC West Division girls basketball action Friday night.

The Vikings (5-3, 2-1 West) led 18-8 at halftime and 27-19 heading into the fourth quarter.

The Mustangs (1-6, 0-3 West) outscored Niles 18-14 in the final quarter, but could not overcome the early deficit.

Jazmin Brann led the Vikings with a game-high 18 points. Elyse Zimmerman and Maya Brookins both finished with eight points.

Jessica Roth led Portage Central with eight points.

 

NILES 41, PORTAGE CENTRAL 35

At Niles

PORTAGE CENTRAL 35

Kayla Mathieu 6, Kylee Taylor 6, Jessica Roth 8, Anna Kolassa 3, Broghan Gamble 6, Kenzie Pikkaart 4, Shelia Easter 2. Total: 11-18 35

NILES 41

Antonia Palmer 0, Elyse Zimmerman 8, Maya Brookins 8, Alexis Preston 0, Aynslee Myer 0, Jaycee Myer 0, Jazmin Brann 18, LaJan Mitchell 0, Emily Gaines 7. Totals: 7-19 41

Portage Central         3          8          19       35

Niles                              8          18       27       41

3-point baskets: Niles 3 (Zimmerman, Brookins, Gaines), Portage 0. Total fouls (fouled out): Niles 19, Portage 21. Varsity records: Niles 5-3, 2-1 SMAC West; Portage Central 1-6, 0-3 SMAC West