ST. JOSEPH — The offensive woes of the Niles boys basketball team continued in a 45-32 loss to host St. Joseph in SMAC West Division action Friday night.

The Vikings and Bears were deadlocked at 22-22 at halftime, but Niles was held to just a free throw in the third quarter as St. Joseph opened up a 31-23 lead heading into the fourth.

Niles (3-4, 1-2 SMAC West) was outscored 14-9 in the final quarter and has now dropped three consecutive games after starting the season 3-1.

“We gave ourselves several opportunities to get back in the game, but could not put the ball in the basket, including a crucial stretch in the third quarter when they (St. Joseph) missed back-to-back uncontested layups and a free throw,” Niles coach Todd Pawielski said.

Niles did not help its cause with 3-of-17 second-half shooting and 10 turnovers.

Robert Brown scored 10 points and grabbed four rebounds, while Austin Brookins added seven points. Nate Goins finished with six points and Jordan Brown five.