Sierra staved off a fourth-quarter charge from Tokay to escape with a 69-65 victory.

The Timberwolves (5-2) led by as much as 12 in the second half, but Tokay (4-4) was able to cut it to two in the fourth quarter. Victor Elijah converted a key insurance bucket off a nice feed from Bikram Thiara (seven points) to give Sierra a five-point lead, and Jamille Grady later hit one of two free throws to seal it.

“It was a good, hard-fought win,” Sierra coach Scott Thomason said. “We had a lot of guys step up.

Thomason singled out reserve Eduardo Jasso’s energetic first half, when he scored eight of his nine points, that helped spark Sierra early. Ryan Brock chipped in six points. Elijah finished with 22 points to pace the T’wolves, while Grady made five 3-pointers for most of his 18 points.

Tokay’s Jorge Hernandez led all scorers with 26 points and drilled five 3s. Aidan Green made 10 of 11 free throws and contributed 20 for the Tigers.

Lathrop 77, Venture Academy 41

LATHROP — The Spartans (1-3) notched their first win of the season, getting 17 points from Dan Ballesteros.

Colin Weiss pitched in with 14 points and four steals in the balanced effort. Adonis Payton also scored 14 points while grabbing eight rebounds. Anthony Blase ended up with 10 points and six boards.

Sophomore

Lathrop 69, Venture Academy 40

LATHROP — Walton Whaley spearheaded the rout with 16 points for the Spartans (6-5).

Rashawn Ballard chimed in with 10 points and six rebounds. Isaiah Victor nearly had a triple double with eight points, nine rebounds and eight assists.