Extra hoops for 'Stangs
Mullen easily handles Highlands Ranch to 67-52 to secure a 5A postseason spot; bracket to be released Sunday; expect a 1st-rounder on Wednesday.
With a surge in the third quarter on Saturday, Mullen capped its regular season with a convincing 67-52 victory over Highlands Ranch at Hutchison Fieldhouse in nonleague that all but officially lifted the Mustangs into the playoffs,
They are 8-14 and moved to No. 47 in the Class 5A RPI, the key aspect of postseason qualification. The 48-team bracket will be released on Sunday.
The Mustangs, who also downed Arapahoe on Friday night to set up the importance of their finale, went on a 23-15 binge after halftime and outscored the Falcons (12-10) 39-26 over the final 16 minutes.
Sophomore Jordan Leslie topped Mullen with 21 points, including 10-of-13 free throws. Junior Hunter Lay added a season-high 13, Jack Diasselliss scored 11 and Josh Lopez added nine.
Mullen also enjoyed improved defense and was 18-of-23 at the free throw.
The Mustangs are expected to play on Wednesday in an away game.
MULLEN 67, HIGHLANDS RANCH 52
Highlands Ranch 11 15 15 11 -- 52
Mullen 12 16 23 16 -- 67
Mullen -- J. Leslie 5 10-13 21, Jerez 0 0-0 0, Lopez 2 3-5 9, Heffern 2 0-0 5, Smith 1 0-0 2, M. Leslie 2 2-2 6, Diasselliss 4 0-0 11, Lay 5 3-4 13. Totals 21 18-24 67.
3-pt. goals –- Diasselliss 3, Lopez 2, Heffern, J. Leslie, Lopez.
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