Mason Mraz was a free throw-shooting machine last night.

Mraz made 8 of 8 at the charity stripe, including 4 of 4 down the stretch, to lead the Laurel boys past Ellwood City Lincoln, 57-51, in the opening round of the Ellwood City Tipoff Tournament.

Zachary Wilson also hit a pair of free throws in the final moments to help cinch the win.

“Our guys didn’t execute real well, but we battled back and were able to pull it out in the end,” Spartans coach Ken Locke said. “We had a good lead at first, but they came back. It was back and forth at the end. Mason stepped up and made his free throws down the stretch. I was definitely happy with him doing that.”

Mraz and Noah Wertz tickled the twine for 13 points each for the winners. Wilson chipped in with 12 markers. Mraz also had 11 rebounds and Wilson added nine caroms.

Tanner Walsh scored 19 points for Ellwood City and Nick Ioanilli added 15.

Laurel plays Union at 6 p.m. today, while the Wolverines take on Beaver Falls at 8.