With their season on the line, the Montwood boys basketball team made the big shots it had to to topple Franklin 50-45 in the final regular-season game of the year.
The Rams caught Franklin at 7-5, leaving both teams in a tie for with Eastwood in District 1-6A that will lead to a play-in for the final playoff spots.
The Rams led throughout but every time they were on the verge of opening up some breathing room, Franklin rallied, and got within 39-36 with 5:21 remaining on a Tanner Jones 3.
Then, just as Montwood did all night, it was Montwood's turn to respond. On the next two possessions Sebastian Gutierrez hit a pair of free throws, then Isaiah Miranda hit a 3-pointer with 4:21 remaining to put the lead back at eight points.
The Rams saw it home. Charlie Perez lead Montwood with 14 points and assisted on the big Miranda 3 before picking up a second flopping foul and an ejection.
Montwood up 18-14 at half
The Rams closed the first half on a 9-5 run to take an 18-14 lead into intermission.
Montwood made 8-of-10 free throws to Franklin's 3-of-6, accounting for the difference. Sebastian Gutierrez led his team to the locker room with eight points.
Bret Bloomquist can be reached at bbloomquist@elpasotimes.com; @Bretbloomquist on X.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Montwood closes regular season with win against Franklin