Manteca High continued its roll through the Valley Oak League Friday with a 56-39 victory over city-rival Sierra.
The Buffaloes (5-1 VOL, 13-8 overall) did with balanced scoring, contributions from the bench, and playing solid defense.
"Our goal is to be consistent," said coach Jason Hitt of the latter.
He praised the efforts of his senior point guard Trey Moreland, who put the clamps on the Timberwolves' outside shooters.
Noah Lyons and Justin Chase led the Buffaloes, scoring 14 and 13 points, respectively. Both chalked up a pair of steals,
Mehtaj Mehrok and Ryan Inderbitzin made it tough for Sierra (0-8, 7-14) to play inside. The 6-foot-8 Mehrok found the range from beyond the 3-point arc, finishing with 11 points. He hauled in eight boards and had two blocks.
Inderbitzin added 11 points, five rebounds and two steals.
After a slow start early on, both teams began to find their offensive footing in the second quarter.
Arvin Chohan scored 10 of his game-high 17 points during that run, delivering on a pair of 3s for the Timberwolves. Luke Abrew chipped in by launching a trey from about several feet beyond the arc.
Still, Manteca stayed ahead, 28-18 at the intermission, thanks to its balanced attack.
Mehrok opened the second half by delivering on his third 3 pointer of the game. Chase and Lyon created match-up problems as well as the Buffaloes built up their lead.
Sierra behind Semaj Moore managed to chip away at Manteca's once 16-point cushion. He challenged the Buffalo big men, scoring on a turnaround and a put-back basket.
Abrew's 3 drew the Timberwolves even closer before their offense finally stalled midway through the fourth.
"We're our own Achilles’ heel, at times," said Sierra coach Eddie Morales. "We turned the ball over too many times."
Ahead 50-39, the Buffaloes closed out with Inderbitzin coming through with a couple of hustle plays.
He knifed his way through a pair of defenders for a basket and turned a near out-of-bound play into an assist to Chase.
It's no rest for the weary as both teams play today in the Manteca Showcase.
Sierra will take on Bear Creek at noon while the Buffaloes will play two, including East Union at 3 p.m.
