Mustangs Edge Tornillo in a Nail Bitter

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In a game literary decided by seconds the Mustangs defeated Tornillo 32-31 with the winning point being scored after time had expired.

With less than 10 seconds left in the game Kade Patterson was driving the ball down the court and when the Coyote defense collapsed on him he kicked the ball out to Estevan Mendoza who attempted a 3-point basket. But as he released the ball he drew the foul as the horn sounded. He made the second of his 3 free throws giving the Mustangs the one point win.

“After a jump ball was called we set up an inbounds play, however, they overplayed the pass and we set up for a drive to the basket with under 10 seconds to play tied at 31-31,” Coach Rob Ogle said. “Kade was driving the basket but he kicked the ball out to Estevan Mendoza after the defense collapsed on his drive and he was fouled behind the 3 point line in the act of shooting with no time remaining. He missed his 1st attempt but made the 2nd attempt and with no time remaining the game ended.”

In a back and forth game the Mustangs were up 9-6 at the end of one and 19-16 at halftime. After being up 27-20 midway through the third quarter Tornillo rallied to end the quarter still down by that same 3 point margin heading into the final 8 minutes of the game.

The Mustangs were still up 30-29 late in the game when the Coyotes hit a shot that gave them a 31-30 lead. After being fouled Efran Villegas hit one of two free throws setting the stage for the final 10 seconds.

It was again Mendoza and Patterson who paced the Mustangs with 11 and 10 points each. Edwin Villegas and Mathew De La Rosa tossed in 4 points each, Riley Boyd had 2 and Efran Villegas had the one all important free throw.

De La Rosa had 5 rebounds, Patterson had 3 and Efran Villegas had 4. Patterson and De La Rosa had 4 assist each and defensively De La Rosa had 3 steals.

The Mustangs were 11 of 29 from the floor for 38% and Tornillo was 13 of 34, also 38%. The difference in the game was from the line where the Mustangs were successful on 8 of their 11 attempts while Tornillo made 2 of their 3 attempts.

“It was a great game for our kids and a real confidence builder,” Coach Ogle continued. “Both teams played really well defensively. Their pressure man defense was smothering and it forced several turnovers which kept our shot total down. It was a thrilling finish and I am so proud of our kids who battled throughout the game.”

Up next for the Mustangs was a game against number 3 state ranked Childress on Friday at the Tiger Pit on the campus of Frenship high school. A win there will move them on to play the winner between Slaton and Shallowater at a place and time yet to be decided

 

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