Manteca’s boys basketball team used a third-quarter outburst and a 26-point effort from Noah Lyons to surge ahead of Burbank 63-56 on Thursday in the Mark Gallo Invitational at Central Catholic of Modesto.

The Buffaloes (5-1) got out of pool play as the top team in their group and will next take on undefeated Downey (8-0) today at 6:30 p.m.

They had some trouble getting untracked against Burbank (2-5). The Titans of Sacramento led 28-22 at halftime, using a zone defense to stifle Manteca.

“We couldn’t make a shot and played pretty sluggish,” Manteca coach Jason Hitt said. “They came out and zoned us, and we struggled with it a little bit.”

Ramesh Kabiri and Lyons busted Burbank’s zone with their perimeter shooting. They each drained four 3-pointers, and Kabiri finished with 17 points. The Buffs outscored Burbank 28-11 in the third quarter, making five 3s. They shot 9-for-25 overall from behind the arc. Lyons helped keep the Titans at bay by hitting six of eight free throws in the final period.

Santiago Sanders added 10 points and nine rebounds for the Buffs. Brandon Haley and Paris Clay led Burbank with 20 and 18 points, respectively.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Manteca 68, Modesto 26

Coming off two tough losses against top teams from the Sacramento area, Manteca (4-2) got its mojo back in the first round of the inaugural Gregori Winter Hoops Classic.

The Buffaloes shot out to an 18-0 lead and were up 32-4 at the start of the second quarter. They made four 3-pointers in the opening period.

Makayla Kakala paced a balanced effort with 14 points. Jada Ikharo contributed 12 points and eight steals. Marcelina Chaparro also scored 12 points to go with five assists. Kerena Malone chipped in 10 points, seven rebounds and two blocks.

The Buffs will next face Ripon Christian (4-1) tonight at 6. RC took care of Bear Creek in its tourney opener, 49-29.

GIRLS SOCCER

Ben Holt Academy 2, Ripon Christian 1

The Knights (3-2) dropped their final tune-up for Southern Athletic League play.

Freshman Alanna Blanco volleyed a cross from Dayna Koolhaas for the first goal in the non-league match at the Lodi Grape Bowl. Holt Academy (2-0) answered minutes later with a direct kick and put away the game-winner in the second half.

Ripon Christian kicks off league action next Monday at home against Mariposa.

Frosh boys basketball

Manteca 51, Stagg 24

The Buffaloes rolled to a first-round win in the Weston Ranch Tournament.

Antonio Farley led them with 12 points, while Jesus Gomez added nine points and 10 rebounds.