Kingsford varsity hoopster Michael Meneguzzo (2), with help from teammate Ben Trevillian (20), tries to keep the ball away from Escanaba’s Jared Hanson (30) and Colin Hudson (20) during first-half action Friday on the Flivvers’ home floor. Meneguzzo led all scorers with 22 points. (Dennis Mansfield/Daily News photo)

KINGSFORD — Escanaba outscored Kingsford by eight points in the third quarter as the Eskymos broke open a tight game at halftime and went on to post a 53-50 victory over the Flivvers in a Great Northern Conference game Friday night at Kingsford.

Jared Hanson scored five points, while Trevor Brown and Colin Hudson contributed four each as Escanaba opened up a 41-32 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

“The third quarter got away from us,” Kingsford coach Dan Olkkonen said. “Trevor Brown had 13 in the first half from the inside and we tried to help out inside in the third quarter. They got the ball to other guys and they scored. They’re a well-rounded team.”

The Flivvers did not go quietly, as they rallied from a 12-points down to cut their deficit to one in the final minutes of the game. Kingsford had a potential game-tying 3-point miss and Escanaba left with a hard-earned victory.

“Both teams are pretty athletic and played good defense,” Olkkonen said.

The Kingsford boss added that his team hurt itself by shooting just 13 of 22 from the foul line. On the other hand, Escanaba sank 18 of 24.

Michael Meneguzzo led all scorers with 22 points for the Flivvers. Cole Myllyla added nine, while Brody Kopp had seven.

Jerry DeRoche may be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 247, or via mail at jderoche@ironmountaindailynews.com.