BEVERYLY HILLS — Free throw shooting has been the achille’s heel of the Niles girls’ basketball team so far this season.

It cost the Vikings again Tuesday afternoon at the Motor City Roundball Classic.

Niles rallied to tie the game at 55-55 and force overtime, but poor free throw shooting allowed Flint Northwestern to escape with a 64-61 victory.

The Vikings had to overcome a bad second quarter, in which they were outscored 16-5 as Northwestern took a 30-19 halftime advantage.

Niles and Flint were deadlocked at 14-14 after one period of play.

The Vikings exploded for 23 third quarter points to grab a 42-41 advantage heading into the final eight minutes of regulation.

Northwestern was able to outscore Niles 14-13 in the fourth quarter to square the contest at 55 and force the extra session.

Flint held a 9-6 advantage on the scoreboard in overtime to take the victory.

Cassidy Wright led all scorers with 24 points for Northwestern, which also got 14 points from Sparkle Taylor.

Nichole Sly had 22 points, four rebounds, four assists and three steals to lead the Vikings. Alexis McIntee added 17 points and four rebounds, while Maureen Craig finished with 16 points.

Niles was 14-of-25 from the free throw line.

The Vikings will face Detroit Mumford today in their final game of the holiday tournament.

NILES 61

Starr Ford 0; Alexis McIntee 17, Chantal Baker 0, Savannah Wolnik 4, Brittani Glenn 0, Brooke Wilson 0, Maureen Craig 16, Nichole Sly 22, Whitney Ellis 0, Taylor Glick 0, Lexie Arnold 2, Michelle Briand 0. TOTALS: 21 14-25 61

FLINT NORTHWESTERN 64

Darrian Bush 6, Cassidy Wright 24, Tekeia Franklin 2, Ebony Harvey 6, Jasmine Cofield 2, Brianna McNeal 3, Sparkle Taylor 14, Yenishia Marthrel 0, Shavonne Morgan 7. TOTALS: 24 8-17 64

Niles 14 19 42 55 61

Flint 14 30 41 55 64

3-point baskets: Niles 5 (McIntee, Craig 4), Flint 4 (Wright 4). Total fouls: Niles 20, Flint 17. Fouled out: McIntee (N)