ISHPEMING — In close-game situations, a team usually needs someone to step up and make a clutch shot.

That someone for the Ishpeming boys basketball team on Friday night was Otto Swanson.

It wasn’t a field goal, but rather a free throw which may have put even more pressure on the Hematites’ senior big man.

Swanson sunk the game winner from the charity stripe, sending Ishpeming past Manistique 49-48 in a home nailbiter to improve to 2-3.

Swanson and Breck Bell finished with 12 points apiece to lead the Hematites in a game that was tight from start to finish.

Ishpeming led 11-9 after eight minutes and 31-26 at halftime.

Manistique (2-5) outscored the Hematites 12-8 in the third to make it a one-point game still in favor of the home team heading into the final furlong at 39-38.

The teams kept in close throughout the fourth, and Swanson’s free throw was the ultimate difference maker.

Ishpeming was 9 of 15 from the free throw line to Manistique’s 4 of 7. Shooting and rebounding statistics weren’t available.

Chase Jensen added nine points for the Hematites while Ben Pruett had five, Jacob Kugler and John Corkin four apiece and Jayce Kipling three.

The Emeralds were led by Schyler Andersen with a 21-point night while Mark Block added 14.

Ishpeming visits Upper Peninsula No. 2 Negaunee (6-0) on Wednesday.

Information compiled by Journal Sports Writer Ryan Spitza. Email him at sports@miningjournal.net.