Late block rescues Sierra Vista

Dallin Molina's heart sank when Eldorado's D.J. Billingsley came up with an offensive rebound after a missed free throw in the closing seconds on Tuesday.

Fortunately for Sierra Vista, Molina's hands stayed high.

Molina blocked Billingsley's put-back attempt, and the Mountain Lions escaped with a 55-54 victory at Del Sol to claim the final berth in the Class 4A boys state tournament.

"It was like my life flashed before my eyes," Molina said. "It was the end. But I had enough energy left to contest it. And luckily I got it."

The Mountain Lions (25-6) had a chance to possibly seal the game with 12.5 seconds to go and their best shooter, Viko Noma'aea, at the free-throw line.

But Noma'aea missed the first of two attempts, and Sierra Vista led 55-53.

Eldorado (23-8) called timeout and got the ball to DaQuon Thrower near the top of the key. Thower dribbled to his left, and Noma'aea fouled him with 3.3 seconds left.

Thrower hit the first but missed the second, and Billingsley rebounded. Molina got a piece of the put-back attempt, and Gary Jacobs came up with the loose ball to seal the win for Sierra Vista.

"That was pretty scary," Molina said. "Thank goodness he missed the free throw and I got the blocked shot."

Thrower hit a long 3-pointer with 4:01 left to break a 45-45 tie, but Sierra Vista scored the next six points and didn't trail again.

Sierra Vista was 10-for-22 from the line and just 3-for-9 in the fourth quarter.

Molina had 16 points, seven rebounds and two blocked shots for the Mountain Lions, who play Canyon Springs (27-2) at 4:40 p.m. Thursday at the Orleans Arena.

Maiscei Grier added 14 points and Noma'aea 13 for Sierra Vista.

Curtis Stewart led Eldorado with 14 points and 10 rebounds, and Thower scored 13.

GIRLS

At Del Sol, Bishop Gorman didn't commit a turnover for the first 13 minutes and cruised to a 61-31 win over Foothill (17-12) in a state play-in game.

The Gaels (24-6) advance to the Class 4A semifinals against Sunrise Region champion Liberty (26-2) at 3 p.m. Thursday at the Orleans Arena.

Gorman coach Sheryl Krmpotich put and emphasis on limiting turnovers after the Gaels were guilty of 25 in the first half of a 32-point loss to Centennial in the Sunset Region final on Friday.

Amber Lane led Gorman with 19 points, but the key was defense. Gorman committed only 10 turnovers, defended extremely well -- especially in the post -- and had a 44-24 rebounding edge.