By By ADAM FISHER / Niles Daily Star
After building a 14-point third quarter lead, Niles still had to put together a 7-0 run to escape its own gym with a victory Tuesday.
In the second of two intrastate matchups this season, the Vikings beat visiting South Bend (Ind.) 54-49. The victory improves Niles to 2-0 against Indiana schools. The Vikings beat South Bend Washington at home Dec. 7.
Niles had a 38-24 lead in the third period before the Titans went on a 22-7 run to take a one-point lead early in the final quarter.
Still trailing, Niles' Tom Robson nailed a 3-pointer with 1:25 remaining to give the Vikings back the lead, 50-49. This time, they would hang on for the victory.
The 3-pointer started a 7-0 run that was ended by point guard Nate Parks' four free throws in the final 22 seconds of the game.
The Vikings seemingly took control of the game in the first half. Behind Kelby Jemison's 14 points, Niles took a 29-20 lead into halftime.
Jemison fiinished with a game-high 20 points, including four 3-pointers. Robson finished with 10 and Lavette Walker added nine.
For the third time in as many games this season, the Vikings were out-rebounded by their opponents. Trinity held a 32-24 edge on the boards. Parks was Niles leader with five rebounds.
Starting junior forward Nick Etzcorn missed the game with mononucleosis.
The win pushes Niles back above .500 at 2-1. The Vikings have a chance to even their conference record at 1-1 Friday at home against Battle Creek Harper Creek.
Niles is 0-1 in the league after falling to Lakeshore on Friday night.
Niles…………..74
S.B.Trinity……66
Trinity (66) - James Cachey 0 0-0 0, Mike Scott 2 1-2 7, John Niswonger 2 0-0 4, Chris Rucker 3 0-0 6, Luke Lattimer 0 0-0 0, David Bechl 6 1-1 13, Jim Barrett 9 1-1 19. Totals: 22 3-4 49.
Niles (74) - Nathan Orr 1 0-0 2, Scott Quaye 0-0 0-0 0, Thomas Robson 3 3-3 10, Kelby Jemison 8 0-0 20, Nate Parks 1 4-4 7, Paul Wreggelsworth 1 0-02, Peter Brandstatter 0 0-0 0, Lavette' Walker 4 1-1 9, Andrew Foster 0 0-0 0, Brandon Thomas 2 0-0 4. Totals: 20 8-8 54.
3-point shooting - Trinity 2 (Scott 2); Niles 6 (Jemison 2, Robson, Parks). Rebounds - Trinity 32 (Batteast 13); Niles 24 (Wreggelsworth 5). Fouls (fouled out) - Trinity 11 (none); Niles 12 (none). JV score - Niles 54 (Kurt Bourbonnais 12), Trinity 43 (Dan Barrett 8). Varsity records - Trinity 6-1; Niles 2-1.