Ripon’s boys basketball game overcame a sloppy first half to defeat visiting Livingston 88-68 on Wednesday.
The Trans-Valley League’s top squad managed to lead 39-38 at halftime despite committing 16 turnovers. Malik Taylor led the Indians (6-1 TVL, 13-11 overall) with 23 points.
“We just played a terrible first half,” Ripon coach Justin Graham said. “It was a track meet. We were throwing the ball all over the court and it was hard to watch. We did not come to play and give Livingston credit because they did.
“We were able to weather the storm midway through the third quarter.”
Nico Ilardi and Dorian Dougherty scored 15 and 10 points, respectively. Troy Brogan contributed eight points and 12 rebounds, while Bronson Burrow had six points and 11 boards.
Ripon looks to avenge its only league loss on Friday when it heads to Hilmar, where the Yellowjackets are undefeated this season. The Indians have won six in a row since their 57-53 home loss to Hilmar on Jan. 10.
“Hopefully we can play like we did in the second half tonight,” Graham said.

Ripon Christian 64, Hughson 47
The Knights (5-2 TVL, 15-6 overall ) were able to slowly pull away in the second half behind Braden Van Groningen’s 16 points.
“It was a much closer game than the final score indicates,” RC coach Mark Hofman said. “Hughson hung around, but we were finally able to get the ball into Braden in the post and put them away.”
Will Gilbert added 13 points, and Jeriah Hoag had nine. Hughson (0-7, 4-18) had three players in double figures with Josh Govett leading the way.

Lathrop 62, Pacheco 51
The Western Athletic Conference co-leading Spartans (8-1, 16-5) blew up for 21 points in the first quarter and led 36-21 at halftime.
Eddie Cotton topped all scorers with 16 points. C.J. Ward chipped in eight points to Lathrop’s first-quarter outburst and finished with 15. D.J. Whaley contributed 12 points, and Walton Whaley scored all of his nine in the third when Lathrop was held to 13 points.
James Wright fired 15 points for the visiting Panthers (3-6, 8-11).

Weston Ranch 81, Kimball 46
TRACY — Donjaé Lindsey tallies 24 points and three steals, while Gavin Wilburn produced 23 points and six rebounds as the Cougars (6-1 Valley Oak League, 13-10 overall) cruised to their seventh consecutive win.
Jordahn Johnson added 19 points and five boards. Mi’son Coilton pitched in with 10 points.

Varsity girls
Ripon Christian 48, Hughson 46
HUGHSON — The Knights (4-3 Trans-Valley League, 10-9 overall) buried four free throws in the final 22 seconds to claim the TVL road victory Tuesday.
Morgan Van Elderen (25 points) made a pair from the charity stripe with 22 seconds remaining to put Ripon Christian ahead 46-44.
Lydia Bakker added two more free throws with six seconds showing on the clock to cement the win over the Huskies (4-3, 14-7).
Lexi Hilvers added 18 points for the Knights, including a team-high five points in the fourth period.

JV boys
Ripon 48, Livingston 45 (OT)
The Indians held the Wolves to just two points in the extra period.
Jack Manning led Ripon with 12 points. Nolan Young added 11 points and Anthony Saucedo eight.

Weston Ranch 58, Kimball 56
Elijah Mobley hit a shot at the buzzer to finish with 19 points and help Weston Ranch (6-1, 17-5) escape with the victory.
Elliot Mobley pumped in 17 points, Dionte Jackson had nine, Kodi Hanpard pulled down eight boards to go with seven points and Xavion Bell distributed 11 assists.