ESCANABA — Four years had passed since Escanaba High School graduate Brandon Robinette last played basketball in his hometown.

The junior forward made it a happy homecoming Saturday afternoon while helping Finlandia post a 97-77 victory over the Bay College Norse in the Northern Lights YMCA gym.

“I started playing here when I was 6-years old and grew up playing in this gym,” said Robinette, who scored 18 points in the contest. “I felt good to come back here, and it feels great to get the W.”

The Lions (3-10) shot the lights out from 3-point range, hitting 17 of 32 field goals from behind the arc.

“That’s a great effort,” Lions’ coach Mike O’Donnell said. “You don’t get that too often. Our 3-point shooting helped us play with confidence. We’ve played some good teams and been struggling. We needed some positives.”

Finlandia snapped a 9-9 tie with five unanswered 3-point shots.

Freshman guard Tristan Johnson of Sault Ste. Marie sank three 3-pointers during the 15-0 run. Sophomore guard Goeff Smart of Kingsford hit another and Robinette concluded that run with a jump shot from the top of the key for a 24-9 cushion.

The Norse (12-6) responded with a 9-2 run, trimming their deficit to 26-18 on a reverse layup by Esky graduate and freshman forward Tyler Willette with eight minutes, 22 seconds left in the first half.

Finlandia bumped its lead back up to 33-19 on a free throw by Johnson two minutes later.

Bay, however, closed within 38-33 on a lay-in by freshman guard Alfonzo Fields 71 seconds before halftime.

The Norse were still within 47-41 following a steal and layup by Willette three minutes into the second half, but the Lions then began to extend their lead.

“We made a couple different runs, but couldn’t get over the hump,” Bay coach Matt Johnson said. “We would get close, then they’d hit a big shot. That’s on us. We need to be more disciplined on defense.”

Finlandia took its biggest lead (80-58) on a 21-foot jumper by Johnson with seven minutes left to play.

“Tristan is a great player,” said Robinette, who was matched up with Willette. “I played with Tyler a lot while we were growing up. It’s great to see him improve. This was a big eye-opener for us. We had been struggling all year with assists, but today we had more than 20. We also played tough D. This was by far our best game all year. Bay has a good team for being in its first year. I’m impressed with their team. They’re well-coached and they have great players. Plus, they’re all freshmen. This is a big jump for them.”

Johnson, who drained 8 of 12 3s, led Finlandia with 30 points. Freshman guard Jacob Oom finished with 13. Junior forward Austin Carlson of Forest Park hit 12 and Smart had 10.

“All the credit goes to the Johnson kid and their team,” said coach Matt Johnson. “They played well and they shot well. Although, I thought we did a very poor job being in position (on defense). I was a little disappointed in our mental toughness. We knew this wasn’t going to be easy. Unfortunately, the focus, intensity and fight wasn’t there for our guys. We just didn’t do enough to get the W. I love my guys and love the way they play. I know we’ll respond, but this is the first time I’m leaving this gym disappointed.”

Willette paced the Norse with 20 points. Barnes added 14. Fields and guard Dre’ Touminen had 12 apiece.

“We were a little worried about this game,” O’Donnell said. “Tyler (Robinette) impressed me and we were worried about how we were going to match up with Barnes. Today, our ball movement was very good and we did a better job recognizing their help defense. We needed this one.”

Both teams committed 13 turnovers.

The Norse host Sault (Ont.) College Wednesday at 8 p.m. The Lions travel to North Central (Ill.) Tuesday.

– – –

Finlandia 42 55 — 97

Bay College 33 44 — 77

Finlandia — Oom 13, Johnson 30, Smart 10, Wilson 2, Bain 3, Ellington 3, Browner 6, Robinette 18, Carlson 12. FT: 14-23; F: 19; Fouled out: Carlson; 3-point field goals: Johnson 8, Oom 3, Robinette 3, Smart 2, Bain.

Bay College — Fields 12, Tuominen 12, Willette 20, McKenney 9, Finkbeiner 3, Richmond 3, Barnes 14, Briggs 4. FT: 11-22; F: 20; Fouled out: Barnes; Technical foul: Fields; 3-point field goals: McKenney 2, Fields, Tuominen, Finkbeiner, Richmond.