The Tri-Valley Mustangs nearly got an upset win over the third-ranked and undefeated Winner Warriors on Thursday, January 20th. The Mustangs pulled within a point, 51-50, with 1:15 to go in the game, but the Warriors made a three-pointer with :43 to play in the game. They added two free throws in the final 30 seconds to survive and win 56-50.
Winner took a 6-0 lead in the first two and a half minutes of the game. They ended the first quarter with an 11-4 lead over the Mustangs. The Warriors built a 13-point lead, 21-8, early in the second quarter. The Mustangs cut the lead to 24-18 by halftime.
The Warriors were able to extend their lead to double digits again in the third quarter. In the closing seconds, Carter Sorenson got a steal and a layup to make the score 38-30 heading into the fourth quarter. Winner, again, held a double digit lead, 42-32, after a three-pointer with 7:20 to play in the game. The Warriors maintained a six-to-eight point lead over next four minutes. After two made free throws, Winner led 50-43 with 3:10 left in the game. Tri-Valley went on a 7-1 run and pulled within a point, 51-50, after a layup by Noah Haynes with 1:15 to play. Winner, however, held the Mustangs scoreless the rest of the game.
Tri-Valley finished the game 43% (19-44) from the field, 41% (7-17) from three-point area, and 5-8 from the free-throw line. Winner was 35% (17-48) shooting, 41% (10-24) on three pointers, and 67% (12-18) from the free-throw line.
Braden Oyen had 13 points, two rebounds, and a steal. Connor Christensen had 12 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Haynes finished with 11 points, three rebounds, and two assists. Owen Besmer had five points and seven rebounds.
The Mustangs (2-7) will host Dakota Valley on Friday, January 21st.