Lathrop earned a split with Western Athletic Conference rival Mountain House on Friday, squeaking out a 79-75 triumph on the road. 

The Spartans avenged their 70-66 defeat to the same team on Thursday. 

In the rematch, sophomore guard Ahmad Jacquet exploded for 25 points. He got rolling early, making 3-pointers on his first two field goals.

Backcourt mate Daniel Whaley also had a big night, pouring in 21 points to go with seven rebounds and four steals. Samuel Stewart added 12 points, six rebounds and three steals. Eddie Cotton tallied 10 points, 14 boards and two blocks.

Mountain House’s Dexter Francis and Nikko Rodriguez accumulated 24 and 20 points, respectively. The Mustangs fell to 1-3 while Lathrop moved to 3-1.

Jacquet scored 21 in the series opener Thursday. He also pulled down six rebounds. Cotton did his work in the post, finishing with 14 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks. Camryn Hayes and Whaley each contributed 11 points. Hayes made three 3s. 

Jordan Lawrence paced Mountain House with 21 points.

Manteca 74, Tokay 31

With their Valley Oak League games called off this week because of positive COVID-19 tests for Kimball, the Buffaloes were able to hook up with the Tigers from Lodi.

Manteca (3-0) took control from the opening tip off at Winter Gym, leading comfortably 43-18 at halftime.

Tokay had no answer for Nick Bell, the Buffs’ athletic forward who led all scorers with 20 points. Jake Wirstlin buried four 3s for the bulk of his 18 points. Ryan Inderbitzin chimed in with 10 points and seven rebounds, while Justice Chase had 14 and seven. Bobby Martin handed out eight assists.

Manteca is back in action tonight against St. Mary’s.

Ripon Christian 73, Escalon 63

Braden Van Groningen finished an assist shy of a triple-double, racking up 21 points and 18 rebounds in the Knights’ second win over Escalon in as many nights.

Ripon Christian won in overtime on the road Thursday but led wire-to-wire in the second go-around while carrying a 60-44 lead into the fourth quarter.

Will Gilbert fired 23 points, and Thys Van Der Hoek turned in 14.

Junior varsity

Manteca 79, Tokay 27

Blake Gross amassed 25 points in the lopsided win, while Elijah Nelson fired 19.

Freshman

Manteca 69, Tokay 27

Garrison Reis led a balanced scoring effort with 15 points. Peyton Nieman and Blake Glasgow netted 13 and 12, respectively.