Host Niles rallied from am 18-6 first quarter deficit to nearly upset Big 16 West Division co-leading Benton Harbor Saturday afternoon.

The Vikings outscored the Tigers 51-46 over the final three quarter, but came up just short in a 64-57 loss.

Niles (10-5, 5-5 West) was able to cut the Benton Harbor (13-3, 10-1 West) lead down to 60-57 before Kalabrya Gondrezick hit a pair of free throws with 26.2 seconds remaining.

Gondrezick scored a game-high 27 points for the Tigers.

Benton Harbor jumped out to an 18-6 first quarter lead and stretched it to 34-23 by halftime. The Tigers still led by 11 points (49-38) heading into the final quarter.

Gondrezick’s sister, Kysre, added 19 points for the Tigers, who are now tied for first place with Lakeshore in the West Division after receiving a forfeit victory from Kalamazoo Central.

Niles, who also picked up a forfeit win from the Maroon Giants, was led by freshman Emily Gaines’ 22 points. Tatyanna Goodson finished with 19 points.

 

Benton Harbor 64, Niles 57

BENTON HARBOR 64

Elaisha Ellis 0 0-0 0, Gabby Dortch 2 0-0 4, Nashaye Sutton 4 3-4 14, Kysre Gondrezick 7 3-7 19, Kalabrya Gondrezick 9 7-9 27, Dennee Brown 0 0-0 0, Kaniya Washington 0 0-0 0. TOTALS 22 13-20 64

NILES 57

Tatyanna Goodson 3 11-15 19, Jazmin Brann 2 2-3 6, Emily Gaines 8 1-2 22, Maya Brookins 1 0-0 2, Elyse Zimmerman 2 4-5 8, Libby Moody 0 0-0 0, Kylee Myer 0 0-0 0, Antonia Palmer 0 0-0 0. TOTALS 16 18-25 57

 

Benton Harbor          18       34       49       64

Niles                                6       23       38       57

3-point baskets: Benton Harbor 7 (Kysre Gondrezick 2, Kalabrya Gondrezick 2, Sutton 3), Niles 7 (Gaines 5, Goodson 2). Total fouls (fouled out): Benton Harbor 20 (Dortch), Niles 16 (none). Varsity records: Benton Harbor 13-3, 10-1 West; Niles 10-5, 5-5 West