Two weeks after taking a 22-point loss to Gregori, Ripon Christian had a chance to avenge the setback on Thursday in the first round of the 53rd Oakdale Rotary Holiday Classic.

The Knights started strong in the rematch but ultimately fell 73-65 despite a 33-point outburst from junior guard Jake Vander Veen.

Jaeden Cortez scored 25 for the Jaguars (9-3), who will face Ripon tonight at 6:30. He accounted for three of Gregori’s 11 3-point field goals. Raphael Rosas made four of them and finished with 14 points. Mason Marsden also had 14 points, all coming in the second half.

Vander Veen and Ripon Christian (7-4) got in a groove early, draining four 3s to take a 24-16 lead to the second quarter. Vander Veen registered 20 first-half points, as the Knights led 39-32 at the break.

Gregori came alive in the third quarter with 26 points and four made 3s to jump ahead, 58-54. Ripon Christian stayed within striking distance down 62-61 midway through the fourth quarter. Marsden helped put it away for the Jaguars by making six straight free throws.

Amos Cady contributed 12 points and six assists for Ripon Christian. Walker Postma (six rebounds, two blocks) and Mason Tameling (three rebounds, five assists) added five points apiece.

Ripon Christian plays at 3:30 p.m.

Ripon 64, Riverbank 33

The Indians (6-6) raced to a 20-3 first-quarter lead and cruised to the win over their former Trans-Valley League rival. Ripon has won three straight going into its semifinal match-up with Gregori.

Riverbank dropped to 1-11.