The Manhattan Indians ( 5-0 ) withstood a second half rally by the Junction City Blue Jays to win 78-64 in the Shenk Gym Friday night.

The Blue Jays ( 2-3 ) trailed throughout the game, but rallied from 14 down to within four in the closing moments of the third quarter, and then stole the ball. But on a two-on-on break following the steal the Blue Jays could not score, and then missed two free throws after Manhattan fouled on the play. Junction City would get no closer.

The Indians surged early in the fourth quarter, and reclaimed control enroute to the victory. Manhattan outscored Junction City in the final quarter 28-18.

Blue Jay coach Pat Battle noted his team missed a lot of free throws in the fourth quarter, but he also praised their play earlier.

Battle stated Manhattan is a very good team. “They came out and hit us in the mouth right there in the first five minutes of the game. And our kids settled down and they really battled right all the way up to the end of the third. Some unfortunate things, we didn’t shoot our free throws very well for a stretch. Then we turned around and didn’t defend. We got down on ourselves, and then we’re pressing and we just can’t do that.”

T. J. Poole had 30 points for Junction City while Ricardo Erans had 17. Manhattan finished with five players scoring in double figures. Tommy Eckhart scored 19 point, Gabe Awbrey  18, Tref Hudgins 16, while Cade Roberts and Grant Munsen both had 10.

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In the girls game Manhattan ( 5-0 ) jumped out to an 18-7 lead and never trailed enroute to a 63-27 win over Junction City.

Gigi McAtee led the way 12 points, followed by Kennedy Wilson with 11, and Madison Mitte 10 point.

Junction City ( 0-5 ) stayed within striking distance until late in the third quarter, and then in the fourth quarter MHS outscored Junction City 20-0.

The boys and girls basketball teams have reached the holiday break. They do not play again until January.