ESCANABA — Senior forward Lukas Weaver put the icing on the cake here Monday night as the fourth-ranked Escanaba boys outlasted Marinette 79-73 in a non-conference boys’ basketball game.

Weaver scored on a fast break layup in the closing moments, enabling the Eskymos to improve to 8-4. The Marines dropped to 0-17.

“Before the game we told the kids we can’t look at their record,” said Esky coach Scott Hanson. “They’ve been in some close games. Competition down in Wisconsin is pretty good.”

Sure enough, the Marines didn’t just go away as they rallied from a 10-point deficit to take a 66-65 lead on a jump shot from top of the key by junior guard Javon Brown with less than three minutes left in the contest.

“We absolutely had momentum,” said Marinette coach Connor Nelson. “Sam (Summerfeld) kind of fueled the comeback. The kids battled which is all I can ask for. We probably played our best full game this year. This is a little different for us. In Wisconsin we play 18-minute halves. Momentum is a little different when you’re playing quarters. Although, they may have helped us a little. Our guys were able to get a couple extra breaks.”

Esky regained the lead on a 3-point shot by senior guard Casey Bray with 2:37 left to play.

Summerfelt split a pair of free throws to bring Marinette within 68-67 seven seconds later.

A lay-in and free throw by Weaver, however, gave the Eskymos a 71-67 lead at 1:55.

Esky extended its lead to 77-70 on a layup by junior guard David Romps before Summerfeld shaved Marinette’s lead to four points with a triple with 9.8 seconds remaining.

The Eskymos took a 58-48 lead on a pair of gifters by junior guard Shane Wallin 49 seconds into the fourth frame.

Marinette tied the score at 63 on Brown’s jumper from the boulevard with 3:40 left to play.

Esky regained the lead 15 seconds later on layup by Weaver.

The Eskymos, who hadn’t played a full game since Feb. 17, scored five in double digits. They were led by Bray and sophomore forward Cody Noel with 17 points apiece. Wallin added 15. Weaver scored 14 and Romps had 12.

“We were a little rusty,” said Hanson. “On a couple plays we called the guys were kind of looking around at each other. Scoring five in double digits was huge. Lukas and Cody had their best games as Eskymos. Lukas kind of put the finishing touches on our win tonight. This was a complete team effort. Everybody contributed.

“Summerfeld was the real deal tonight. They have a nice team. I think Connor does a nice job with them.”

Summerfeld, who drained six 3-point shots, led the Marines with 28 points. Brown added four trifectas and scored 16.

“We’ve had some close battles,” said Nelson. “We just got to close one out. The future is looking good. The guys never quit. I’m very proud of the effort.”

Esky won the freshman game 48-26, but dropped the jayvee contest 63-56.

The Eskymos visit Menominee tonight at 7:30 and host Marquette Thursday.

Marinette travels to Wrightstown, Wis. Thursday and visits Pulaski Friday.

Marinette 18 18 12 25 — 73

Escanaba 21 17 17 23 — 79

Marinette — Summerfeld 28, MacGregor 9, Bailey 2, Ducane 5, Race 8, Noel 5, Brown 16. FT: 7-15; F: 18; Fouled out: None; 3-point field goals: Summerfeld 6, Brown 4, Ducane, Noel.

Escanaba — Bray 17, Wallin 15, Romps 12, Weaver 14, Johnson 2, Stevenson 2, Noel 17. FT: 10-16; F: 16; Fouled out: None; 3-point field goals: Bray 3, Wallin 2, Romps 2.