Manteca’s boys basketball team opened its season with a commanding 70-37 victory over visiting Elk Grove on Friday.

The Buffaloes led 14-3 after the first quarter and continued to dominate from there.

Elijah Nelson paced them with 22 points and eight rebounds, and Santiago Sanders had 19 and 12. Manteca is missing a few players who are key members of the school’s football team.

Guard Ramesh Kabiri added 10 points and seven steals.

Junior varsity

Elk Grove 51, Manteca 42

Christian Cardoza collected 15 points for the Buffs. Vince Cardoza chipped in seven points, while Landon Butler and Tyler Watkins each had six.

Freshman

Manteca 35, Elk Grove 27

Jesus Gomez stood out in this low-scoring affair, netting 10 points. Anthony Abello pitched in six, and Micah Cardoza had five.