Manteca’s boys basketball team bounced back from a tough loss on Friday, securing an important 68-60 win over Kimball to stay a game ahead of its closest competitors in the Valley Oak League standings.

The Buffaloes (6-1, 20-5 overall), who lost to second-place Central Catholic on the road earlier in the week, gained separation with an 18-4 second quarter to lead the Jaguars (3-4, 14-10) of Tracy 40-21 at halftime.

Noah Lyons paced Manteca with 23 points. Ramesh Kabiri contributed 12 points, Evani Gaeta had 11, Elijah Nelson scored eight and Santiago Sanders added six points and nine rebounds.

The Buffs wrap up the regular season with three straight home games starting with rival Sierra at home next Wednesday.

East Union 50, Oakdale 44

Alex Cuevas scored 14 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter, as the Lancers (5-2 VOL, 16-8 overall) held on for the road win. The senior point guard also grabbed 10 rebounds.

“I am so proud of that kid,” East Union coach Dutch Ell said. “He is capable of being that caliber of player. Credit to Oakdale. They hit shots and hunker it up defensively. Proud of my team for buckling down in the fourth quarter and finishing the job.”

Alex Cervantes contributed 10 points and five rebounds, while Antony Sy had eight points.

Lathrop 84, Grace Davis 52

Quentin Bohoman spearheaded a balanced effort with 15 points for Lathrop (8-1 Western Athletic Conference, 13-8 overall).

Anthony McKinnon backed him with 12 points, Raymond Carson had 12 and Jesus Serrano chipped in nine.

Junior varsity

Manteca 48, Kimball 42

Tyler Watkins and Jayden Scarver fired 12 points apiece, while Johan Perengelli pitched in 10 for the victorious Buffaloes

Freshman

East Union 50, Oakdale 42

J.P. Abrew helped key the win for East Union with clutch defensive plays in the fourth quarter.

Jackson Fay led the Lancers with 16 points and eight rebounds, while Kirk Simoni had 15 points and eight boards.

Kimball 32, Manteca 31

Jesus Gomez led Manteca with 11 points in this back-and-forth, defensive battle. Devon Richardson contributed with eight points.