MANISTIQUE — On back-to-back nights, Escanaba prevailed in what can be described as “trap games.”

The Eskymos held off Manistique 63-54 here Thursday night in a boys non-conference basketball game. A night earlier the Eskymos tripped Menominee 77-51, their second win over the Maroons in two weeks. The Eskymos (6-4) were favored in each game, and with playing on consecutive nights they could have been ripe for an upset against an Emeralds unit that has already done that against Gladstone last month.

The Emeralds (3-6) tried their best to get that upset, rallying down the stretch to make it close before Esky escaped. The Eskymos had a seven-point lead when they missed a free throw, the Emeralds “went coast-to-coast” according to Hudson and Wyatt Gierke scored for the hosts and Carter Hudson was assessed a technical foul for slapping the backboard while trying for a block.

Manistique missed the free throws but buried a 3-point shot “and it was a two-point game,” said coach Hudson. “Manistique got a break and made the most of it.

“It was a tight game most of the night, then we built a cushion toward the end.”

The Eskymos converted 23-of-42 field goals and hit 3-of-8 triples, putting three players in double digits. Jared Nash had a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds, Craig Kamin had 13 points and Carter Hudson added 11 points.

“We were saddled with a little foul trouble and Ben Willis stepped in and did a good job (for Austin Willette),” said coach Hudson.

“The minute we would get control of the game we would have a defensive breakdown and give up a three or someone would sneak behind us,” said coach Hudson.

Schyler Anderson scored 22 points for the Emeralds, Kanton Lauzone added 16 and Gierke had 10 points.

“We pulled together when we had to and made baskets when we had to,” said coach Hudson. “They wouldn’t go away.”

The Eskymos, who won the jayvee game 61-24, host Westwood Wednesday. Manistique hosts Iron Mountain Thursday.

Escanaba 11 17 18 17 – 63

Manistique 13 14 13 14 – 54

Escanaba – LaMarch 3, Fedell 2, Kamin 13, Willis 8, Hudson 11, Nash 14, Willette 8. FT: 14-20; F: 16; Fouled out: Willette; Technical foul: Nash, Hudson; 3-point field goals – LaMarch 1, Hudson 1, Kamin 1.

Manistique – Block 5, Hoholik 1, Gierke 10, Lauzon 16, Anderson 22. FT: 6-12; F: 19; Fouled out: Block; 3-point field goals – Block 1, Gierke 2, Anderson 3.