By By DAN WEISS / Niles Daily Star
The Niles varsity basketball team had a chance to pick up its fifth win of the season Monday night, but let it slip away in a 63-59 overtime loss at Vicksburg in non-conference play.
The loss dropped the Vikings to 4-15 overall while Vicksburg, a member of the Wolverine Conference, improved to 11-8 on the year.
The Bulldogs scored all 10 of their overtime points from the free throw line. Niles committed 28 fouls on the night and Vicksburg made 28-of-35 free throws. The Vikings scored just nine points at the free throw line.
Marcus Lawshea led Niles with 12 points and six steals while Nate Parks added nine points and six assists.
Sophomores Tom Robson, Nate Orr and Peter Brandstatter moved up to the varsity from the junior varsity Monday night and helped the Vikings.
Robson scored six points on two 3-pointers. His overtime 3-pointer was the only field goal in the extra period by Niles. Orr pitched in with five points, including a 3-pointer.
John Kessick grabbed six rebounds to go along with six points for the Vikings.
The Niles junior varsity and freshmen teams both won Monday night. No scores were available at press time.
Niles travels to Sturgis Friday night for a Big 16 Conference Challenge Game.