The Manhattan Indians ( 17-2 ) overcame deficits of nine and eight points to defeat the Junction City Blue Jays ( 5-14 ) 70-57 in boys basketball Tuesday night at the Shenk Gym.

The win clinched at least a tie for the Centennial League championship for the Indians. They lead second place Shawnee Heights by one game in the conference standings with one game remaining.

Junction City had an eight point lead in the third quarter, but a series of turnovers and missed shots eventually proved too much for the Blue Jays to overcome. For Manhattan Robbie Osterman hit three 3-point shots in the fourth quarter, and Gabriel Awbrey hit 8-9 free throws in the final period to help the Indians pull away to the win.

Blue Jay coach Pat Battle said the Indians hit big shots. “Very big shots from the deep corner. They’ve got good players. They’re the number three, number four team in the state. There’s a reason why they are that.”

Battle said his team had open looks but didn’t hit the shots.

Junction City hosts Topeka West Friday night, while Manhattan hosts Seaman that evening.

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In girls basketball Manhattan ( 15-4 )  led throughout the contest enroute to a 60-35 win over Junction City ( 3-16 ) Tuesday evening.

Caroline Ballard led Manhattan with 15 points, while Kealee Rains topped Junction City with 13 points.