ISHPEMING — Escanaba’s Connor Smale hit six 3-pointers and scored 19 points to lead the fourth-ranked Eskymos to a 59-43 road victory over fifth-ranked Westwood Tuesday in a non-conference boys basketball game.

The first quarter paved the way for the game as the Eskymos found their rhythm immediately.

“We came out with a lot of energy,” Esky coach Tracy Hudson said. “Our 1-3-1 and full-court press got into Westwood early, and it carried over into some easy transition baskets.”

Smale distributed his triples throughout the first half to guide Esky to a 33-22 lead at halftime.

“Smale was hot,” Hudson said. “He had six 3s in the first half — three in the first quarter and three in the second. He came out shooting well.”

Esky (6-4) kept its momentum in the third quarter to hang on for a fairly comfortable win.

“We thought they were comfortable in their man-to-man,” Hudson said. “We used our zones more than we used it in some other games because we felt like they were too comfortable in man. We only gave up two 3s, so I was very happy with that.”

Hudson was also happy with his team’s performance on the road.

“It was a very good game that I’m happy with,” he said. “We were the better team most of the night. I thought Connor’s 3-point shooting was a big part of it. Carter Hudson protected the rim for us, and Peyton Fedell did a good job in transition. Brandon Frazer did a good job of running the offense and distributing.”

The Eskymos outrebounded Westwood 35-23 and turned it over just nine times. The Patriots had 13 turnovers.

“I was very happy with nine turnovers for a game against a very defensive team,” coach Hudson said. “Our rebounding and turnover differentials were good tonight.”

Fedell added 14 points for the Eskymos, while Hudson finished with 12 points, five blocks and five rebounds. Frazer collected eight assists and seven rebounds.

The Patriots were led by Zach Carlson with 18 points and Ty Alderton with 12.

“We really attacked in transition, and I’m very happy with my team,” coach Hudson said. “Our kids were really up for the challenge tonight against the No. 5 team in the U.P. This was one of their best games in terms of energy, and they really set the tone early. (Westwood) battled, and it was tough. I’m just glad to have them in the rearview mirror.”

Escanaba, which won the JV game 51-33, travels to Houghton Thursday.

Escanaba 16 17 15 11 — 59

Westwood 10 11 9 13 — 43

Escanaba — Fedell 14, A. Seymour 3, Smale 19, Carter Hudson 12, Maki 3, Colin Hudson 4, Johnson 2. F: 16; Fouled out none; FT: 8-14; 3-point field goals: Smale 6, A. Seymour 1.

Westwood — Dellangelo 8, Alderton 12, Beckman 2, Mariuzza 3, Carlson 18. F: 14; Fouled out: none; FT: 11-18; 3-point field goals: Carlson 2.