The Ripon boys basketball team escaped Livingston with a needed 51-44 win on Friday.

With only three automatic playoff bids in the Trans-Valley League, the Indians (4-2, 7-14 overall) were in danger of dropping a third straight defeat this week. After trailing at the end of each of the first three quarters, they outscored Livingston (1-5, 11-11) 18-10 in the final period.

Landon Gillespie pumped in 10 of his team-high 20 points during that fourth-quarter barrage.

“It was a tight game all night,” Ripon coach Justin Graham said. “Both teams didn’t shoot very well, but I thought we rebounded well and that’s what kept us in the game. When the game was on the line, we made the plays we needed to.”

Reed Holland chipped in 10 points. Marcus Madoski managed to contribute eight points and four blocks despite foul trouble. Ty Herrin hauled in 11 rebounds, and Jack Schoolland had six.

Earlier in the week, Ripon was rocked by undefeated Atwater 63-27 in non-league play before falling to rival and TVL leader Ripon Christian, 59-43.

“I’m really proud of the guys for the bounce-back win,” Graham said. “Getting our butts kicked twice in a week isn’t a lot of fun, but tonight we came out and played with joy. And now, we have a lot a of big games coming our way.”

Ripon is part of a three-way tie for second place with Riverbank and Escalon.

Ripon Christian 60, Hughson 37

The visiting Knights (6-0 TL, 14-7 overall) distanced themselves with a 24-4 run in the second half.

Eli Terpsma tallied a game-high 23 points and made three 3s. Luke Crivello added 10 points, while Jace Beidleman and Justin Hofman each had eight.

Cade McLaughlin and Tony Quinteros scored 13 and 12 points, respectively, for Hughson (0-6, 5-10).

Lathrop 63, Los Banos 43

There is now a three-way share of the lead atop the Western Athletic Conference, thanks to the Spartans’ statement win on the road.

Coming off a loss at Mountain House, Lathrop (6-1, 11-8 overall) had its way with the Tigers (6-1, 15-3). Kameron Jones amassed 16 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two steals. Napoleon Reeves collected 17 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals. Camryn Hayes contributed with 14 points, three assists and three steals.

VARSITY GIRLS

Ripon 39, Livingston 35

Emily Sesser scored six of her team’s 10 points in the third quarter to key the victory for host Ripon (3-3 TVL, 9-11 overall), which limited Livingston (0-5, 3-14) to six in the period.

Sesser finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Drew Peters added seven points and 10 rebounds of her own. Makenzie Loechler added four points, six boards and four assists.

Shayla McKeon and Kailee Inderbitzin contributed eight and seven rebounds, respectively. Livingston was led by Isabella Zazueta’s 12 points and four 3-pointers.