MONTEREY — Manteca was done in by turnovers and missed free throws Tuesday in its 69-64 season-ending defeat to Monterey.
The CIF Northern California Division III Regional Championships opener was held at CSU Monterey Bay, where the ninth-seeded Buffaloes (21-11) wasted an efficient shooting night from the field as well as a 27-point outburst from Domonick Victor. The 6-foot-4 senior forward hit two 3-pointers in the final 30 seconds to give Manteca some hope.
The No. 8 Toreadores (23-5) put it away with two free throws.
“We definitely let one get away,” Manteca coach Brett Lewis said. “We just made a few too many mistakes and missed way too many free throws. That’s not good enough to win a NorCal playoff game.”
Manteca made 11 of 20 free throws but was 6 of 14 in the second half. It managed to lead 28-22 at halftime despite committing 13 turnovers over the first two quarters.
“We felt like we should have been up by way more,” Lewis said. “Then we started out the third quarter with a couple bad possession, and they hit a big 3 and an and-1 to put some wind in their sails.”
Monterey outscored Manteca 21-8 in the third quarter and rode the hot hands of senior guards Mohammed Adam and Tahjae Ordonio, who poured in 26 and 20 points, respectively, after combining for just nine points in the first half.
Third-year varsity guard Jorge Cedano ended his Manteca career with 15 points. He was a freshman called up to the varsity in 2016 when the Buffaloes captured the state’s Division III title. Fellow seniors Miguel Sequeria and Isaiah Victor added nine and eight points, respectively.
Monterey next faces top-seeded Redwood (24-8) on Thursday.

Division IV
University Prep 46, Ripon 42
REDDING — Missed opportunities throughout ultimately doomed Trans-Valley League champion Ripon (19-13) in its bid for a major upset.
The 14th-seeded Indians committed 16 turnovers while dishing out just four assists and struggled to make open shots. Vincent Olmo capped his decorated career with 17 points and 17 rebounds, while junior Troy Brogan chipped in nine points and nine boards.
Jordan Miller scored 17 points for No. 3 University Prep (26-6), which welcomes No. 6 Wood on Thursday. The North Section’s reigning Division IV champion also struggled offensively and led 13-12 at halftime before a burst of 3s allowed the Panthers to take a double-digit lead late in the third period.
“We couldn’t get anything going offensively,” Ripon coach Justin Graham said. “They’re a very fundamentally sound team and solid defensively, but certainly not the most formidable team we’ve played. This was a game we could have won, for sure.”

Division V
Mt. Shasta 89, Ripon Christian 57
MOUNT SHASTA — The No. 1-seeded Bears (30-1) tallied their 25th consecutive victory in convincing fashion, pouring in at least 21 points in every quarter.
Kole Riccomini led all players with 25 points, while Tristan Ellerbe made four of Mt. Shasta’s 10 3-pointers and finished with 23 points.
Jacob Van Groningen tried to keep No. 16 Ripon Christian (20-11) in it early, accounting for eight of his team’s points as the Knights fell behind, 21-15. He ended with 12 points. Cade Alger and Will Gilbert chipped in 11 apiece.
Mt. Shasta next takes on No. 8 Pierce.