East Union High’s sophomore girls basketball team used its defense to get going offensively in the first round of its own 10th Annual Camelot Classic at Dalben Center Thursday.

The Squires outscored Escalon 15-1 in the third quarter to break the game open and allowed just three total second-half points in their 43-13 victory.

East Union (3-1) plays Heritage at 7:30 tonight in the second round of the six-team tournament.

“We played really good defense, and that’s what we focused on tonight,” East Union coach Rich Posz said. “We especially picked it up in the second half.”

Kristen Piasecki gave EU a boost defensively, coming up with six steals and 15 points to share game-high scoring honors with teammate Klasey Kachalkin.

Allison Telles poured in 10 points, and Victoria Ramos pulled down 12 rebounds.

In other action in the Camelot Classic:

Manteca sat comfortably on a 12-point lead after three quarters of play, but Heritage of Brentwood gave the Buffaloes reason to feel uneasy down the stretch by outscoring them 15-6 in the fourth.

Mia Ramirez did her part for the Buffaloes (1-1), racking up 19 points, eight rebounds and five steals. Jessica Reeder contributed nine points.

“The girls pulled it together,” coach Mary Ann Tolbert said. “We’re still working out the kings, and hopefully by the end of the tournament we’ll know a little bit more about where we’re heading.”

Manteca will tussle with Tracy at 6 tonight for a spot in the tournament’s championship round.

Alyssa Gonigan rounded out a terrific all-around effort with 11 points, four assists and four steals for the undefeated Pages (4-0) at Neil Hafley School.

Alex Scopas contributed eight points to the victory, and Jessica Campa turned in seven.

LODI — The Cougars couldn’t overcome foul trouble in its first-round loss in the Tokay Tournament.

Dylan Alexander led the way with 21 points, and Marlon Aumentado chipped in 13 points. Reserve Preston Watkins finished with four but helped keep Weston Ranch in it with solid all-around play.

Weston Ranch faces Lincoln at 3:30 today.

MODESTO — John Vander Molen led the Knights with 22 points, but Davis won the double-overtime thriller with a last second bucket in the Modesto City Classic.