Manteca’s girls basketball team is going into the new year with a hard-earned 52-48 win at El Capitan and will return to action with reinforcements, as three transfers will be added to the lineup next week.

Marcelina Chaparro and Kerena Malone led the Buffaloes (9-3) with 15 and 12 points, respectively. Chanel Polk tallied 11 for El Capitan (12-4), which led 27-24 at halftime.

Manteca went on a 12-3 run in the third quarter to take the lead but nearly blew it in the end. Up by six with 5.8 seconds left, the Buffs committed two turnovers  

Chaparro secured the victory by hitting two free throws with 0.4 seconds left.

Transfers Brea Vieira, Brianna Parker and Michailla Springs will debut with the Buffs next Tuesday when they travel to Rodriguez of Fairfield. They’ll tip off Valley Oak League action on Thursday at Oakdale.

BOYS BASKETBALL

East Union 59, El Capitan 44

The Lancers (10-6) set the tone on defense, as their 24-13 halftime lead held up for the non-league road win.

Dylan Lee tallied 20 points, Anthony Sy had 16 and Alex Cuevas pitched in with eight.

“Unbelievable effort against a very tough El Cap team,” EU coach Dutch Ell said. We knew it was going to be a tough battle, especially at their home court. Our boys just fought and withstood their runs. Our effort and defensive intensity won us this game.”

Oakdale 52, Ripon 44

The Oakdale Rotary Classic host Mustangs (6-8) outscored Ripon (3-10) in the fourth quarter 18-10 to finish in third place.

“It was a battle, a really close game throughout,” Ripon coach Justin Graham said. “Oakdale just made a couple big plays down the stretch, and they made some free throws when they counted.”

Jack Schooland led the Indians with 10 points. Reed Holland contributed nine points, four assists and six rebounds off the bench. Marcus Madoski had seven points and eight rebounds. Dawson Downs added five points and nine boards.

JV girls basketball

El Capitan 63, Manteca 62

Aaliyah Rae Jacobs spearheaded the Buffaloes with 16 points.

Frosh girls basketball

Manteca 54, El Capitan 28

Saniyah Anthony amassed 22 points and 20 rebounds.