Third quarter pivotal in Niles loss to Lakeshore

Published 6:33 am Saturday, January 6, 2024

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STEVENSVILLE — Visiting Niles was held to a single free throw in the third quarter, which allowed former SMAC West Division rival Lakeshore to pull away to a 48-29 non-conference girls basketball victory Friday night.

The Vikings (0-7) trailed the Lancers (7-0) 24-17 at halftime, but were outscored 12-1 in the pivotal third quarter as Lakeshore opened up a 36-18 advantage and cruised home from there.

Niles, which is still searching for its first victory since the 2021-22 season, played to a 6-6 draw after the first eight minutes.

Liz VanDePutte led the Vikings with eight points, while Jessie Thornton added six points and Tanaya Brown five points.

Paige Lies led a trio of Lakeshore players in double figures with a game-high 14 points. Megan Wurster added 13 and Emily Lockman 11.

Niles returns to action Friday when it hosts Edwardsburg in a Wolverine Conference contest.