The lead went back and forth in the first until Ike pushed ahead midway through the quarter. However, the Mustangs would make a late first quarter surge and tie the game at 14 heading into the second period.

The game remained close in the second quarter as well, but the Mustangs earned a one point half time lead with two successful free throws by Russell Shelby. 29-28.

The Mustangs started the second half with a 6-0 run but then went cold. While the Mustangs struggled, the Eagles put together a run of their own tying the game at 35. The Mustangs jumped back into their rhythm and gained a 42-40 lead heading into the final quarter.

The Mustangs kept the lead the majority of the fourth quarter, but could never quite put the Eagles away. #21 for Ike put the Eagles up 53-52 with 24 seconds left in the game on a lay-up off an offensive rebound.

Mustang guard Jackson Kajander brought the ball up the court for Memorial and set them into their offense. Coach David Lay wanted to put the ball down low in Will Patchell’s hands, but the Ike defense had Patchell all tied up with the double team.

“I wanted to go to Patchell because he is a good passer and that would leave us with several options,” said Lay. “But they collapsed on him which opened up [Matt] Brejot on the back door.”

As Brejot went back door he received the pass and put the shot up. With the ball in the air, an Ike defender jumped out of the gym to block the shot. However, goaltending was called and gave the Mustangs a 54-53 lead with eight seconds remaining. The Eagles were unable to convert a basket in the last eight second securing the victory for Memorial.

“That shot was crazy,” explained Brejot. “We were trying to run to Patchell but they doubled him so I put the shot up and he [Ike defender] went above the rim and got it.”

Kajander was the high point scorer of the game dropping in 21 points with teammate Matt Staff putting in 17. Leading the way for Ike was Darius Goff with 17 and Ella Ellis with 14.

This was a huge win for the Mustangs as playoffs are right around the corner.

“This is a huge win for us,” said Patchell. “This really takes the pressure off us and puts it on the other teams in playoff contention.”

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