After hitting the first basket of the game – a three-pointer – and taking an early 3-0 lead, the host Escalon Cougar boys saw the varsity Ripon Indians go on an 11-0 run that ate up most of the first quarter on Friday night. The Cougars took a time out to catch their collective breath with 4:16 to play in the opening frame, looking to chip away at the Indian lead in the Escalon Homecoming contest. The host team battled back and were down just 13-10 after one, and were tied with Ripon at the half, 23-23.