Manteca’s boys basketball team notched its biggest win of the season so far, downing an explosive Downey squad Friday 47-34 in the semifinal round of the Mark Gallo Invitational at Central Catholic in Modesto.

The previously-undefeated Knights (8-0) of Modesto were averaging 77 points while led by 6-foot-4 Lloyd French, who was putting up 32 per game.

“The guys are starting to buy into rebounding and defense,” Manteca coach Jason Hitt said. “We’re a much better scoring team than we were last year, so if we can keep doing that we’ll fun to watch.”

Manteca (6-1) was paced by Ramesh Kabiri’s 11 points. Noah Lyons scored 10, and Peyton Neiman and Santiago Sanders had nine apiece. Elijah Nelson pulled down nine rebounds while limiting French to 22 points.

The Buffaloes take on another unbeaten team tonight, as they’re pitted against Atwater (8-0) in the championship game starting at 7:30. Atwater won Manteca’s tournament last week.

Ripon Christian 52, Gregori 48

Paced by Eli Terpsma’s 18 points, the Knights (4-2) battled back from a 17-point, third-quarter deficit to earn a spot in the fifth-place game of the Gallo Invitational.

Ripon Christian trailed 26-15 at halftime but exploded for 23 points in the fourth quarter, when Terpsma amassed 14 of his points. Justin Hofman and Derek Van Elderen pitched in with 11 and nine points, respectively.

Gregori (3-6) was led by Khari Bean’s 10 points.

East Union 59, Florin 22

The Lancers (6-3) traveled to Sacramento and cruised to the non-league win.

Dylan Lee anchored them with 21 points, Alex Cervantes netted 13 and center Leland Crabb produced seven points and nine rebounds.

Freshman boys

Bishop O’Dowd 46, Manteca 31

Evan White produced 13 points and five rebounds in the Weston Ranch tournament tilt. Antonio Farley added six points.