Ripon Christian took care of business against a dangerous team on Wednesday, crushing Livingston 77-55 at home two move into sole possession of first place just two games into the Trans-Valley League season.

The Knights (2-0, 10-7 overall) set the tone from the opening tipoff, rolling to a 30-12 lead early in the second quarter.

With only eight players suited up, Ripon Christian was led by Eli Terpsma’s 24 points. Luke Crivello made three 3s and finished with 19 points. Derek Van Elderen chipped in 14 points, and Justin Hofman had 11.

Livingston (1-1, 11-7) was paced by Johan Garcia’s 17 points. He knocked down five 3-pointers.

Ripon Christian hosts Hilmar on Friday.

Escalon 59, Ripon 56 (2OT)

It was a heartbreaking rivalry loss for host Ripon (2-1, 5-12), which was well ahead 37-23 after three quarters.

The game changed after the Indians’ top scorer, Landon Gillespie fouled out in the fourth quarter with them clinging to an 11-point lead. Escalon (1-2, 11-8) closed regulation on a 17-3 run. The Cougars then scored the final five points in the second overtime.

Gillespie finished with nine points. Jack Schooland had a team-high 14 points. Ty Herrin netted 13 points and made three 3s. Marcus Madoski pitched in with eight points and eight rebounds.

“(Gillespie fouling out) put us in a tough spot,” Ripon coach Justin Graham said. “After that, we had too many turnovers and struggled to score. Escalon played hard and made the plays when they counted, so credit to them.”