MATTAWAN — A slow start could not keep visiting Niles from squaring its girls basketball record at 1-1 Friday night.

Led by a game-high 26 points from senior Alycia Patterson, the Vikings overcame a 12-6 first-quarter deficit to defeat the Wildcats 48-41 in the SMAC West Division opener for both teams.

Down six after one quarter, Niles outscored the Wildcats 13-8 in the second quarter to cut the deficit to 20-19.

Patterson got Niles going from beyond the 3-point line to continue the Vikings’ comeback.

“We had a slow start against [the Wildcats], but we picked up the tempo right before going into the half,” said Niles coach Jessica Johnson. “Alycia Patterson caught fire to spark the Vikings offense, making three of her four 3-pointers in the second half.

Niles (1-1, 1-0 SMAC West) held a 14-8 advantage in scoring in the pivotal third quarter when it took the lead for good, 33-28.

The Vikings were able to maintain their lead throughout the final eight minutes of play.

Patterson had five steals to go along with her 26 points while Niles also got six points each from Amara Palmer and Sydney Skarbek. Palmer had eight rebounds for the Vikings.

Niles will host Portage Northern on Friday. Tipoff is set for 5:45 p.m.