LocalSportsJournal

Nathan Lange picked the right night to have a career game.

The Ludington senior knocked down 19 points to lead the Orioles to a 49-32 victory over Escanaba in the Division 2 regional finals at Gaylord High School on Thursday.

Ludington now advances to the D2 state quarterfinals on Tuesday against Alma at Mount Pleasant High School. The winner will advance to the state semifinals at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.

The Orioles are now the last area boys basketball team to be standing in the state tournament. Muskegon Heights, the area’s other regional finalist, lost to Tri-Unity Christian on Thursday.

Lange hit three first half triples as Ludington jumped out to a 16-7 lead after one quarter and a 25-15 edge at halftime. The Orioles put the game on ice with a 15-4 advantage in the third quarter.

The Orioles employed lockdown defense, holding Escanaba to only 19 points through three quarters.

Josh Laman added 14 points for Ludington.