ESCANABA — Turnovers and cold shooting from the free throw line hurt Escanaba’s cause here Wednesday night in a 51-43 girls’ basketball loss to the West Iron County Wykons.

Esky, which turned the ball over 25 times and finished 11-of-32 from the line in this non-conference contest, dropped to 0-3. The Wykons improved to 2-1.

“That’s a big tale of the tape right there,” Esky coach Tracy Hudson said. “I thought our girls gave a great effort, which is something to build on. I’m happy with our rebounding. I thought our 1-3-1 (zone defense) and their press did a good job.”

Esky had 15 miscues and hit just 1-of-8 gifters in the first half, but took a 23-18 lead into the halftime locker room.

The Eskymos led 27-20 after sophomore Aubrey Mylander sank a pair of free throws 90 seconds into the third quarter.

West Iron responded with eight unanswered points, gaining a 28-27 lead on a jump shot from the lane by senior Lily DeSousa midway through the third.

The score was tied at 28 after senior Susie Moberg split a pair of gifters.

West Iron then surged to a 35-29 lead on a jumper from the boulevard by sophomore Bristol Shamion.

“It’s always fun playing against Tracy,” West Iron coach Eric Shamion said. “We got some easy baskets which always helps. We didn’t have to play catch-up in the second half. We had just enough of a lead. We’re young and going into the (Christmas) break at 2-1. That’s good for us.”

Esky got within 36-33 on a layup by Moberg late in the third.

Sophomores Grace Smith and Eriana Sucholl then hit a free throw apiece to give the Wykons a 38-33 lead going into the fourth.

A 10-foot floater by senior Landry Bray got the Eskymos within 38-35 just 23 seconds into the fourth frame.

West Iron answered with a 5-0 run, gaining a 43-35 cushion midway through the fourth.

A putback by Bray got Esky within 45-41 with 2:52 left to play.

Sucholl then converted a jumper from the boulevard and a free throw to put West Iron up 48-41 with 2:03 remaining.

“Susie and Landry kept us in it,” Hudson said. “They (West Iron) were very efficient around the basket. We just have to try to get better and get more contributions from everybody. We were focusing on the Shamion girls and DeSousa really stepped up. I’m happy with our team. I’m encouraged by our potential for our offense. Only, our ballhandling has to improve. It was kind of our size and length going up against their press and perimeter shooting. The opportunities were there.”

DeSousa scored 22 points for the Wykons, who had 12 turnovers and finished 14-of-21 from the line.

Bray paced the Eskymos with 19 points and Moberg added 14 points to go with nine rebounds and four blocked shots. Mylander also collected nine boards.

The teams combined for 47 fouls, including 24 on West Iron.

Esky, which won the jayvee game 36-32, visits Kingsford Friday.

West Iron travels to Negaunee Friday.

West Iron 12 6 20 13 — 51

Escanaba 8 15 10 5 — 43

West Iron County — B. Shamion 7, DeSousa 22, Alexa 4, Sucholl 4, Smith 1, Erickson 4, Johnson 9. FT: 14-21; F: 24; Fouled out: L. Shamion; 3-point field goal: DeSousa.

Escanaba — Beauchamp 2, VanDamme 5, Moberg 14, Bray 19, Mylander 2. FT: 11-32; F: 23; Fouled out: None; Technical foul: Mylander; 3-point field goals: VanDamme, Bray.