Elyse Zimmerman scored a game-high 21 points as Niles won its second straight game. The Vikings defeated St. Joseph 49-28 Friday night. (Leader photo/AMELIO RODRIGUEZ)

ST. JOSEPH — Visiting Niles rolled out to a 27-13 halftime lead and never looked back in winning their second straight game.

The Vikings opened up Big 16 West Division play with a 49-28 win over host St. Joseph Friday night.

Sophomore point guard Elyse Zimmerman went 8-of-14 from the field and 5-of-8 from the free throw line to score a game-high 21 points. She also pulled down six rebounds, had five steals and three assists.

Khalilah Adbullah, Emily Gaines and Jazmin Brann all scored five points for the Vikings. Brann and Tatyanna Goodson also had six rebounds.

Casey Singler led the Bears with six points.

NILES 49

Khalilah Adullah 5, Jaiden Rolan 2, Antonia Palmer 0, Elyse Zimmerman 21, Maya Brookins 0, Tatyanna Goodson 0, Emily Gaines 5, Kylee Myer 2, Alicia Prescott 0, Jazmin Brann 5, Libby Moody 9. TOTALS: 13 13-24 49

ST. JOE 28

Casey Singler 5, Mya Robinson 4, Robyn Priebe 2, Holly Adams 4, Makenzie Arent 0, Sarah Punches 4, Michelle Zibart 2, Randi Dortel 0, Dominique Thomas 5, Maddy Ramp 2. TOTALS: 10 8-25 28

Niles      11       27       39       49

St. Joe    7        13       21       28

3-point baskets: Niles 1 (Gaines), St. Joe 0. Total fouls (fouled out): Niles 25 (None), St. Joe 21 (None). Varsity record: Niles 2-0, 1-0 West, St. Joseph 0-2, 0-1 West