ST. JOSEPH — Heading into Friday night’s SMAC West Division contest at St. Joseph, Niles senior Alycia Patterson needed just four points to become the fifth Viking girls basketball player to eclipse 1,000 career points.

Patterson had no idea she was about to reach the milestone, according to coach Jessica Johnson.

The senior point guard reached that milestone in the first quarter on a 3-pointer in Niles’ 59-54 loss to the host Bears. She finished the night with 22 points as the Vikings fell to 5-4 overall and 2-2 in West Division games.

“It is a privilege to coach Alycia and watch her mature as a player as well as a person,” Johnson said. “I’m extremely excited that she’s able to reach this milestone. Alycia has so much love for the game and her teammates, scoring 1,000 points wasn’t even on her radar. I look forward to see what the rest of the season has to offer.”

With 1,018 points in her career, Patterson trails Timothea Clemmer (1989-91), who scored 1,080 points. Nichole Sly scored 1,086 points from 2007 to 2011, while Brandi Radde finished with 1,164 points from 2002 to 2005.

Sarah Dreher is Niles’ all-time leading scorer with 1,205 points. Dreher also played for the Vikings from 2002 to 2005.

To catch Dreher in the regular season, Patterson will have to average 21 points per game.

But that is the furthest thing from her mind.

St. Joseph, which opened up an 18-10 first-quarter advantage, and was able to hold on to the lead throughout the contest.

Niles cut the deficit to 27-25 at halftime, but was down four points heading into the fourth quarter.

Amara Palmer led Niles and all scorers with 24 points.

St. Joseph (6-4, 4-0 SMAC West) was led by Symone King’s 24 points. Emma Inman finished with 14 points.

The Vikings return to action Friday night as they travel to Stevensville for a SMAC West Division clash with rival Lakeshore. Tipoff is set for 5:45 p.m.

Boys basketball

Visiting Niles could not hold on to a 30-29 lead after three quarters, and fell to St. Joseph 47-42 Friday night.

The Bears (3-5, 2-1 SMAC West) led 11-8 after one quarter, while the two teams were tied at 24-24 at the intermission.

The Vikings (2-6, 1-2 SMAC West) were led by Brayden Lake’s 12 points. Cerious Wilson added 10 points and Mari Nichols eight.

St. Joseph got 12 points from Sam Simpson. Nick Borre and Griffin Shinrock both added eight points.

Niles will take on Lakeshore in a SMAC West Division contest scheduled to tipoff at approximately 7 p.m. on Friday.