The Hawks (7-11) led 26-25 at halftime.

“It was close fought the entire way,” North Dickinson coach Chris Mattson said. “We didn’t play very well in the first half and Republic played better.

“We pressured the ball better (in the second half). We were able to play defense without fouling at the end of the game.”

North Dickinson (5-11) converted 20 of 30 free throws overall. Garrett O’Neil made 10 of 16 and Tyler Halfaday made all six of his fourth-quarter attempts.

Republic-Michigamme’s River Shumate, right, makes a pass while avoiding North Dickinson’s Garrett O’Neil during their nonconference boys basketball game played at the Nordics’ gym on Tuesday night. (Iron Mountain Daily News photo by Theresa Proudfit)

“We were aggressive and made enough free throws,” Mattson said. “But it was a hack-fest.”

O’Neil scored 21 points and grabbed seven rebounds to lead the Nordics. Hunter Mattson chipped in 11 points while Devin Wagner and Halfaday each had 10.

Dylan Hanninen’s 18 points led the Hawks, who play at Mid Peninsula on Friday night and at Copper Mountain Conference foe Dollar Bay to finish the regular season on Tuesday.

The Nordics also won the JV game, 65-27.