BERRIEN SPRINGS — A 40 point second half helped the visiting Niles Vikings to a 67-51 win over upset-minded Berrien Springs Tuesday night in boys’ basketball.

The Vikings (9-1) appeared to still be feeling the effects of suffering their first loss of the season last Friday night through the first two and a half quarters.

The Shamrocks (7-5) led 5-1 early on only to see Niles roll off eight straight points to grab a 9-5 advantage. Berrien Springs then grabbed back the momentum and the two teams traded leads with the ’Rocks holding a 16-15 advantage at the end of the opening quarter.

The game remained close throughout the second quarter and by the end of the first half, Berrien Springs led 32-27.

Senior Nick Lucero gave the Vikings a spark off the bench in the third quarter as Niles poured in 20 points and erased a 40-34 lead for the Shamrocks with 3:40 to play in the period.

The Vikings outscored Berrien Springs over the final three minutes 13-4 to take a 47-44 advantage into the last eight minutes of the contest.

Niles continued to score in bunches in the fourth quarter, tossing in another 20 points, led by Myles Busby, who netted seven points in the frame.

Vikings’ coach Todd Pawielski called a time out in the third quarter that led to the run to take the lead.

“I told them I’m tired of watching us shoot jump shots,” he revealed. “Run the offense. Get the ball inside where it belongs. If you want to shoot jump shots go play horse in the driveway with your mother. We’re going to find five kids who are going to get the ball where it ought to be.”

Busby finished the game with 23 points, six rebounds and six steals. Austin Parks added a career-high 22 points to go along with four assists and three steals.

“He (Busby) used his athleticism to make some great plays,” Pawielski said. “He has to be a little bit more disciplined in his decision-making with the ball.

“He (Parks) did everything we asked him to do on both ends of the floor. His leadership and selflessness are outstanding. Nick Lucero started the third quarter and gave us a nice spark off the bench. He really played hard and well. Jordan Potthoff also had a very nice fourth quarter for us when the game was on the line. Needless to say, we are very pleased with our seniors tonight.”

Tyrice Carter had 13 points to lead the Shamrocks, who also got 10 points each from Zechariah Jenkins and Jeffrey Gumbo.

The Niles freshmen team defeated the Shamrocks 57-23.

Tate Brawley had 17 points, while Greg Jones finished with nine and Jason Taylor seven.

Niles also won the JV contest as the Vikings held on for a 51-44 victory over Berrien Springs.

Alex Brown led the way with 13 points. Anthony Bice and Rodney Applewhite finished with 11 and nine points respectively.

NILES 67

Austin Parks 8 4-6 22; Riley Robson 0 0-0 0; Zak Prenkert 1 0-2 2; Nick Lucero 1 0-0 3; Logan Harpenau 0 0-1 0; Brandon Partee 1 0-3 2; Miles Busby 10 3-4 23; Jordan Potthoff 2 1-2 5; Taylor Campbell 2 1-1 5; Quintin Irby 1 2-2 4. TOTALS: 26 11-21 67

BERRIEN SPRINGS 51

Garrett Shembarger 0 0-0 0; Tsibu-Beckson Enoch 1 0-0 2; Zechariah Jenkins 3 3-3 10; Farai Machamire 0 0-0 0; Averil Mawuntu 0 0-0 0; Demetrius Washington 0 0-0 0; Johnathon Williams 3 3-4 9; Steven Felusme 1 0-2 2; Chris Evans 0 2-2 2; Jonathan Shembarger 1 0-4 2; Jeffrey Gumbo 5 0-0 10; Tyrice Carter 6 0-0 13; Nathan Siebenmark 0 1-2 1. TOTALS: 20 9-17 51

Niles 15 27 47 67

Berrien 16 32 44 51

3-point baskets: Niles 4 (Parks 2, Busby 2), Berrien Springs 2 (Jenkins, Carter). Total fouls: Niles 20, Berrien Springs 19. Fouled out: None. Varsity record: Niles 9-1, Berrien Springs 7-5