Wow ... Thursday's state basketball tourney results

The state tournament is always good for a few moments that send your jaw to the floor.

Two years ago No. 8 seed Valley upset No. 1 Mayfield with a buzzer beater.

Last year St. Pius X went on a memorable and unexpected run, winning a state title with a 16-13 record.

What unfolded Thursday night trumps both those moments. It left me with goosebumps. I can't remember when that happened because of a game.

The Class 4A semifinal between No. 5 Albuquerque Academy and No. 1 Espanola Valley featured a 22-point swing, overtime, a large frenzied crowd and an one of the most improbable finishes I've ever seen.

Start at the end of regulation. Tied at 49-all, the Sundevils had the ball last. They milked the clock then fired. Six misses -- some of them at point-blank range -- later it was overtime.

The Chargers turned the ball over in its first two possessions then trailed 54-50 with less than a minute to play. It looked like the Sundevils 18-point comback was complete.

Then there was the last 47.6 seconds ...

• Academy guard Kevin Nelson, who is the son of former UNM All-American Ron Nelson and resembles actor John Krasinski (The Office), drilled two free throws amid a deafening sea of Espanola Valley fans to half the lead.

• Let the craziness begin. While the Sundevils were attempting to spread the Chargers defense and wait for them to foul, Academy guard Patrick Zacharias cut off a cross-court pass and raced for the rim. He was fouled, but made only one free throw. Fifty-four to 53, Espanola Valley.

• After a timeout, Academy set up a fullcourt press. Nelson intercepted the inbounds pass, drawing comparisons from one longtime observer to Larry Bird's famous play -- you've no doubt heard it described by chainsaw-voiced Johnny Most, "Now there's a steal by Bird! ..." Nelson fed the ball to Josh Miera, who was fouled. Miera hit two with 22 seconds left. Fifty-five to 54, Academy.

• Shocked Espanola Valley had one more chance, but missed.
  

Chargers coach Mike Brown, whose known for leading Academy to six straight state titles, is back in the championship game Saturday against St. Pius X. Brown's teams have lost their last four state title games. Academy's last appearance was 2001.

Here's the rest of today's scores ...

Boys

Girls