A stifling defense propelled Esko past Barnum 54-37 in a Polar League showdown featuring two undefeated powerhouses Thursday night.

The Eskomos handed the top-ranked Bombers (17-1, 8-1) their first loss in 38 games since losing to Sebeka more than a year ago. According to the Duluth News Tribune, Barnum had won 39-straight on the road and 42 consecutive Polar League games before Thursday's loss.

No. 5, 2A Esko (16-0, 8-0) used a 2-3 zone to hold Barnum to 12 points in the first half – and the squad's two leading scorers managed just three points combined before the break.

Esko’s Savanna Trapp – at 6-foot-8 – caused problems for the Bombers early, playing in the middle of the zone and effectively clogging things up inside. Barnum could manage only seven two-point baskets in the entire game, and fell behind 26-6 in the first half due to the Eskimos’ zone.

“Savanna has been a tremendous force for us inside, so all the coaches and players were confident that they would not get a lot of points inside,” Esko coach Scott Antonutti said of his sophomore stopper. “That allows us to have constant pressure on the perimeter and defend the 3-point line … [Savanna] is what makes our defense so effective.”

The rivalry was so anticipated Esko brought in temporary bleachers for both ends of the court. Even the extra bleachers were filled by game time, allowing for a crowd of 1,600 to watch the contest.

“Fortunately for us, we got out to a quick lead and took their crowd out of the game and our crowd became all that much more noticeable,” Antonutti said, noting a good amount of Barnum supporters who travelled the 20-plus miles for the game. “It is always a great opportunity for kids to play in an atmosphere like last night. It definitely felt like tournament time.”

The win gives the Eskomos sole possession of first in the Polar League standings. After No. 2 St. Peter’s loss last night, Esko also became the last unbeaten team in class 2A and one of only eight teams in Minnesota without a loss.

In order for the Eskomos to make it to the state tournament, they will likely have to beat No. 1 2A Braham (16-1). Esko has lost to them in sections the past two seasons, and will get a first look at the Bombers of 2A when they play them on Feb. 17.