The Manteca High girls varsity basketball team put up a ferocious fight, but could not close out on top in the first round of the Ceres Tournament during a 50-48 overtime loss to Atwater High Thursday.

It’s the second overtime game of the week for Manteca, which held off Livingston in a 69-67 thriller on Tuesday.

The Buffaloes (1-2) were without the starting backcourt tandem of Mikayla and Jessica Hasal. They trailed by six at the half and clawed itself back into the contest with a stifling defensive effort in the third quarter when Atwater was limited to just two points.

In overtime the Buffaloes ran out of steam, getting just five points in the bonus period and coming up short.

“We came out not ready to play,” Manteca head coach Cody Norman said. “We fought back and had a couple of chances to win it in regulation and in overtime, but couldn’t hit the shots when we needed them.”

The Buffaloes were led by Jasmine Odell’s 20 point performance, while teammate Manveer Hundal also finished in double-figures with 11.

The Buffaloes will be back on the court to continue tournament action in Ceres.

Liberty Ranch Tourney

Ripon 59, Galt 26

The Indians opened the Liberty Ranch Tournament with a convincing 59-26 win over Galt High Thursday in the tournament’s first round.

Ruth Water led the scoring input for Ripon with 15, while teammate Tia Sidtikun and Morgan Carrico both finished in double-figures with 13 and 10, respectively.

The Indians (5-0) will be back on the court at 6:30 p.m. against the winner of the Central Valley-Capital Christian contest.

Livermore 67, Lathrop 47

The Spartans battled against a talented Livermore team, but could not stay close as the Spartans fell by 20 Thursday in a nonleague matchup.

Taylor Conley had 15 points and eight rebounds for the Spartans, while Jazlyn Simon added 11 points, four assists and three steals.

Lathrop (2-1) definitely didn’t help its cause, making just 12-of-36 free throw attempts.

Sophomore

Lathrop 52, Livermore 33

The sophomore Spartans had a relatively easy time with Livermore High, popping the club by 19 Thursday in nonleague play.

Ithzeo Valdez led all scorers with 16, while Lauren Collins added seven.

Lathrop (4-2) continue tournament action at Stagg.

Freshman

Sierra 59, Stagg 30

The Timberwolves blasted the Stagg High freshman basketball team by 29 Thursday.

Vanessa Rodriguez had 10 points and six steals for Sierra, while Devi Cotlio (17 points) and Trayan Davis (16 points) led the Sierra scoring outburst.