BUCHANAN — A fast start helped visiting Niles pick up a 37-21 non-conference girls basketball victory over Buchanan Monday night.

The Vikings (3-2) outscored Buchanan (1-4) 17-6 in the first quarter and increased their lead to 25-10 by halftime.

Buchanan was unable to overcome the early deficit as it struggled offensively throughout the contest. The Bucks scored 11 points in the half.

“We’re coming off a tough loss against Portage Central,” said Niles coach Jessica Johnson.  “It was nice seeing the girls gel tonight. We focused on staying discipline on defense.”

Alycia Patterson led the Vikings and all scorers with 11 points. Alexis Rauch added 10 points and Amara Palmer six.

Claire Lietz led the Bucks, who travel to Brandywine Friday night for a key BCS Athletic Conference contest, with eight points.

Niles will host Benton Harbor in a non-league game set for 5:30 p.m. Thursday.

The Vikings will work to improve over Christmas, Johnson said.

“During the break, we will continue to work on playing as a unit defensively and executing our offense,” she said.