NEGAUNEE — Negaunee defeated Westwood 62-44 in a high school boys basketball game played Wednesday at Lakeview Memorial Gym that was crucial for the Miners.

It kept Negaunee alive in its quest to gain at least a share of the Mid-Peninsula Conference title with just two games to go.

The 14-4 Miners are in third place at 8-2 in the league, but their remaining games are against the teams ahead of them, at 9-1 Norway on Friday and home vs. 9-2 Iron Mountain on Tuesday.

“This was a big win for us because it means we control our own destiny in the conference,” NHS coach Dan Waterman said.

The Miners played like it Wednesday, racing to leads of 17-7 after one quarter and 38-16 at halftime.

“Our energy was good, we moved the ball well and we were really efficient in the first half,” Waterman said. “Our kids were dialed in defensively, and I think there was some fatigue on Westwood’s part. They played three games last week and already have two in this week.”

Negaunee guards Dre Tuominen, a senior, and Jason Waterman, a freshman, shared game scoring honors with 22 points apiece. But Tuominen did it by sinking 10 free throws while Waterman didn’t have any, instead knocking down a half-dozen 3-pointers.

Senior teammate Trent Bell added nine points and a team-high 10 rebounds.

Sophomore guard Blake Hewitt paced the Patriots (4-14, 3-9) with 14 points and senior foward Jarod Anttila added eight points as nine Westwood players scored.

Negaunee also won the JV game, but no score was available.

Information compiled by Journal Sports Writer Steve Brownlee. His email address is sbrownlee@miningjournal.net.