HOUGHTON –A nightmare second quarter proved to be the difference in Escanaba girls’ basketball’s 61-39 loss to Houghton on Thursday.

The Eskymos (7-7) led 14-10 after the first quarter. The second quarter saw Esky muster three points, two from Grayson LaMarche and one off a free throw from junior Susie Moberg.

The Gremlins (11-3) netted 20 poins in the second frame, including six from sophomore Ruby Zawada and eight from senior Ava Gerard to take a 30-17 lead at the half.

LaMarche paced the Eskymos with 13 points and six rebounds. Senior Katey Lamb netted nine points and Senior Natalie Beauchamp added six points.

The Eskymos committed 20 turnovers.

Esky stays on the road to face Gwinn (3-11 entering Friday’s action) at 7:15 p.m. Monday.