By Staff
MARSHALL - The Marshall Redhawks defeated visiting Niles Friday night in Big 16 Conference non-divisional play, 69-63.
The Vikings trailed by a point after one period of play, 12-11, but jumped out to a 30-18 halftime advantage by outscoring the Redhawks 19-6 in the second period.
Marshall cut the Niles' lead to just four points by the end of the third quarter, 44-40, by outscoring the Vikings 22-14 in the quarter.
The Redhawks continued their dominance of the second half by outscoring Niles 29-19 in the final period to rally for the Big 16 Conference non-divisional victory.
Dustin Miller led Marshall (6-8) with 24 points. The Redhawks also got 12 points from Tyler Kelly and 10 points from Mike VanDerMeulen.
The Vikings were led by Nick Etzcorn and Danny Rodts, both of whom scored 17 points.
Niles also got 13 points from Brandon Thomas and 12 points from Nate Parks.
Niles finished the night with eight three pointers compared to just a pair by Marshall.
Both teams scored 13 points from the free throw line.
Niles, which falls to 7-8 on the season with the loss, will return to the court on Tuesday when they face Lakeshore. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m.
NILES 63
Pete Brandstatter 0 0-0 0, Nick Etzcorn 6 5-9 17, Ben Hansen 0 0-0 0, Nate Orr 0 0-0 0, Nate Parks 4 3-6 12, Tom Robson 1 1-4 4, Danny Rodts 6 0-0 17, Brandon Thomas 4 4-4 13. Totals: 21 13-23 63.
MARSHALL 69
Brotherton 1 2-4 4, Miller 10-4-5 24, Lord 3 0-0 8, Nielson 3 1-2 7, Crull 1 2-6 4, Vandermeulen 4 2-2 10, Kelly 5 2-5 12. Totals: 27 13-24 69.
Niles 11 30 44 63
Marshall 12 18 40 69
Three-point baskets: Robson (N), Rodts (N)5, N. Parks (N), Thomas (N), Lord (M). Total fouls: Niles 20, Marshall 17. Varsity records: Niles 7-8, Marshall 6-8