ESCALON – Aaron Paschini scored 10 of his game-high 28 points in the fourth quarter, fueling Ripon’s late surge in a 53-49 victory on Friday night.

Trailing 39-35, the Indians (13-8) greeted the fourth quarter with a 13-2 run to improve to 4-1 in Trans-Valley League play.

Paschini was the triggerman. The sharp-shooting sophomore had five 3-pointers, picking up the slack for fellow sophomore Cole Stevens, whose season-long shooting struggles continued on Friday night.

Stevens was just 1 of 10 from the floor and 2 of 7 from the free-throw line. He finished with four points, but it wasn’t enough to trip up the Indians.

Mario Roach knocked down two 3-pointers and Cody Haines iced the win with two free throws late.

It was that kind of night against the pesky Cougars, who have played TVL opponents tough despite their 1-4 record.

“Cole had a rough night, but Aaron stepped up. They left him open because you have to pick your poison with this team,” coach Rod Wright said. “Aaron stood in the corner and shot 3s all night long. When they came out, he drove by them. He had a nice night.”