NILES — Visiting Kalamazoo Loy Norrix used a 42-point second half to hand Niles a 58-46 SMAC non-divisional boys basketball defeat Tuesday night.

The Vikings led 17-16 at the intermission as both teams struggled to find the basket.

The Knights outscored Niles 21-13 in the pivotal third quarter to open up a 37-30 lead heading into the final eight minutes of play.

The Vikings (2-3) were unable to overcome the deficit.

“Loy Norrix’s length and pressure really bothered us tonight,” said Niles coach Tyler Dendy. “They did a great job of forcing us into traps and rotating into passing lanes which caused a lot of turnovers and transition points for them. We will learn from this and look to rebound Friday night at Portage Central.”

Nate Goins led Niles with 12 points, while Jordan Brown and Kendall Chrismon both scored 10 points. Brayden Lake added eight points.

Niles girls basketball

The Vikings picked up their second straight victory as they defeated host Kalamazoo Loy Norrix 59-46 Tuesday night.

Niles (2-1) trailed 12-10 after one quarter, but rallied to take a 22-16 halftime lead.

The Vikings would up their advantage to 39-27 heading into the final quarter.

Alycia Patterson led Niles with 17 points, while Reese Davies added 16 points and Aynslee Myer 10.