EPHRATA — Ephrata head coach Brandon Evenson hates the term “must-win”.

But the fact of the matter is, after several close losses to start its CWAC schedule, each game holds importance for the Tigers.

With two wins separating fourth and ninth place in the conference, Ephrata inched closer to a district tournament berth after an 80-67 win over Toppenish.

“Each win kind of gets us closer to where we want to be,” Evenson said.

After Ephrata built a 20-point lead, Toppenish was unable to cut the deficit to single digits to mount a comeback.

Bryce Davis and Collin Ahmann paced the Tigers with 23 and 24 points, respectively. Davis splashed seven three-pointers and Ahmann dished seven assists.

Warden 63, River View 58

RIVER VIEW — Warden worked its way back from a 14-0 deficit to start the game and hung on to beat River View 63-58.

A 26-9 advantage in the third quarter helped the Cougars take the lead for good.

JR Delgado scored a team-high 18 points. David Gonzalez and Tanner Skone added 10 and eight points, respectively. Junior Vela chipped in eight points and five rebounds off the bench.

The Cougars are ranked tenth in the Associated Press Washington Boys Basketball Prep Poll and travel to Soap Lake on Friday.

Waterville 50, Soap Lake 47

WATERVILLE — Soap Lake was unable to end its losing streak, falling to Waterville 50-47.

The Eagles are 0-6 in CW2B South play.

Girls basketball

Warden 48, River View 46 (OT)

RIVER VIEW — Warden hung on to beat River View 48-46 in overtime.

Posts Allycia Gonzales and Bailey Whitney paced the Cougars with 30 combined points.

“We finally started getting the ball inside a bit,” head coach Dan Caballero said.

Ephrata 59, Toppenish 49

EPHRATA — Ephrata bounced back from a loss against Selah its last time out with a win over Toppenish 59-49.

Ephrata sits in fifth place in the CWAC and has a chance to tie Wapato in the win column on Friday.

Waterville 51, Soap Lake 28

WATERVILLE — Soap Lake continued to struggled in CW2B South play, losing to Waterville 51-28.

Soap Lake hosts tenth-ranked Warden on Friday.