BERRIEN SPRINGS — The opening night of the Class B boys district basketball tournament had Buchanan advancing to the semifinals, while Niles was eliminated Monday night.

The Bucks (11-1) held off host Berrien Springs in the second game of the doubleheader 61-58. Buchanan will face South Haven (9-11) in the second semifinal at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.

The Bucks defeated South Haven earlier in the year 62-49.

In the first game Monday night, Niles was defeated by Benton Harbor 79-46. It was the second meeting of the season between the Vikings and the Tigers, who defeated Niles 82-38.

Benton Harbor vs. Niles

Benton Harbor, which reached the Class B state semifinals last year, jumped out to an early 24-10 lead, which the Tigers extended to 43-19 by halftime.

Niles coach Todd Pawielski, who coached his final game for the Vikings Monday night, said they were the better team.

“Benton Harbor was really good tonight,” he said. “They ran the floor, attacked the rim and made jump shots. They destroyed us on the glass with 20 offensive rebounds for 22 points. They have an excellent chance of going to the Breslin and we wish them well.”

The Tigers did not let off the gas in the second half, scoring 36 points, while holding the Vikings to 27 points.

Pawielski was not happy with the offensive effort for Niles against Benton Harbor.

“I was disappointed in our play around the rim but offensively,” he said. “We did some nice things despite shooting 4-of-26 from 3-point range.”

Senior Robert Brown capped his career with a game-high 21 points. Niles also got eight points from junior Austin Brookins and six points from senior Johnny Bybee.

Benton Harbor, which will face Coloma (18-2) in the first semifinal Wednesday, was led by Shaun Hopkins’ 15 points. The Tigers also got 14 points from Carlos Johnson and 12 points from Dennie Brown.

“Many thanks to all of our players past and present, and a huge thank you to my wonderful wife,” Pawielski said.

Buchanan vs. Berrien Springs

Beating a team for a third time in the same season is never easy as the Buchanan Bucks found out Monday night.

After sweeping the Shamrocks in a pair of BCS Athletic Conference Red Division games — 71-59 on Feb. 5 and 64-45 on Feb. 16 — the Bucks could not pull away from Berrien Springs in the district opener.

Buchanan had just a one-point lead (10-9) after the first quarter, which it extended to 31-24 by halftime, Berrien Springs just would not go away.

The Shamrocks were able to stay within seven points (50-43) as they headed into the fourth quarter.

Although Berrien Springs outscored Buchanan 15-11 in the final eight minutes, it could not overcome the earlier deficit.

The Bucks were led by Austen Taylor and Chris Young, both of whom scored 17 points. Buchanan, which played without starter Carter Jeffries, also got eight points from Cam Lorance and seven points from Isaiah Rimpson.

Berrien Springs’ Sam Spaulding led all scorers with 24 points. Danny Vinson and Evan Hoge both finished with nine points.

The Tigers did not let off the gas in the second half, scoring 36 points, while holding the Vikings to 27 points.

Pawielski was not happy with the offensive effort for Niles against Benton Harbor.

“I was disappointed in our play around the rim but offensively,” he said, we did some nice things despite shooting 4-of-26 from 3-point range.”

Senior Robert Brown capped his career with a game-high 21 points. Niles also got eight points from junior Austin Brookins and six points from senior Johnny Bybee.

Benton Harbor, which will face Coloma (18-2) in the first semifinal Wednesday, was led by Shaun Hopkins’ 15 points. The Tigers also got 14 points from Carlos Johnson and 12 points from Dennie Brown.

“Many thanks to all of our players past and present, and a huge thank you to my wonderful wife,” Pawielski said.

Buchanan vs. Berrien Springs

Beating a team for a third time in the same season is never easy as the Buchanan Bucks found out Monday night.

After sweeping the Shamrocks in a pair of BCS Athletic Conference Red Division games — 71-59 on Feb. 5 and 64-45 on Feb. 16 — the Bucks could not pull away from Berrien Springs in the district opener.

Buchanan had just a one-point lead (10-9) after the first quarter, which it extended to 31-24 by halftime, Berrien Springs just would not go away.

The Shamrocks were able to stay within seven points (50-43) as they headed into the fourth quarter.

Although Berrien Springs outscored Buchanan 15-11 in the final eight minutes, it could not overcome the earlier deficit.

The Bucks were led by Austen Taylor and Chris Young, both of whom scored 17 points. Buchanan, which played without starter Carter Jeffries, also got eight points from Cam Lorance and seven points from Isaiah Rimpson.

Berrien Springs’ Sam Spaulding led all scorers with 24 poinrts. Danny Vinson and Evan Hoge both finished with nine points.