Mansfield Timberview runs out of gas late as Wolves fall short in state championship

It was like looking in a mirror for Mansfield Timberview during Saturday’s UIL boys basketball state championship game against Beaumont United.

Both teams run a fast-paced offense and can play suffocating defense.

But United had just a little more in the tank.

Timberview led for the majority of the game, but United out scored the Wolves by 11 in the second half on its way to a 62-57 victory in the Class 5A final at the Alamodome.

“To win a state championship, you need good fortunate sometimes and have the ball bounce your way a couple times,” Timberview coach Duane Gregory said. “99 out of 100 we usually would catch and convert and tonight, we bobbled some and when you’re trying to come back at the state tournament, you need the other team to clank some at the line and United didn’t go along with that. They stepped up and knocked those things down.”

United (35-6), which out rebounded Timberview 35-26, claims back-to-back state championships.

Timberview (36-5) made its fourth state appearance in the past six seasons and was looking to win a title in as many trips, if you count the co-championship during the 2020 COVID year.

“Beaumont United is a good team and they played well. Full credit to them,” Gregory said. “We were concerned that rebounds could be an issue and they were. They were a little more sized and had a little more length than us. They got some rebounds we typically get.”

There were 18 lead changes and eight ties in the game.

The Timberview Wolves led 31-27 at intermission, but the United Timberwolves scored the first five points in the third quarter to go up 32-31.

Both teams went back-and-forth with four lead changes in the period. United finally got up by five at 44-39 on a Kayde Dotson layup and Clarence Payia jumper, the latter coming with 12 seconds to go in the third.

Braylon Crosby’s drive to the basket for Timberview was good just before the buzzer and it was 44-41 United.

Timberview continued to trail halfway into the fourth quarter until the Wolves grabbed a 49-48 edge following Chendall Weaver’s layup at the 3:47 mark.

It was TImberview’s final lead of the game as United countered with the next seven points capped off with a Terrance Arceneaux jumper in the paint. The Timberwolves led 55-49 with 1:45 to play.

United grew the lead to 59-51 under a minute remaining and the Timberwolves sealed the win by hitting free throws down the stretch.

Timberview had three starters in double figures while United had four.

Donovan O’Day had 12 of his 18 points in the first quarter for Timberview. He was 6 of 12 shooting and added five rebounds and four assists. Jared Washington scored a game-high 20 points on 9 of 18 shooting.

“My guys were finding me and I was in the right position to make plays for myself,” O’Day said of his first quarter performance.

“You win some and you lose some and it is what it is. We hit some adversity, no one thought we would be here, but I’m glad I’m here,” Washington added. “It hurts now, but at the same time we take a step forward. We create bonds and chemistry further than just basketball. It’s life and they’re my brothers.”

Weaver chipped in 12 points and 10 rebounds.

He had 22 and 11 during Thursday’s semifinal and finished with two double-doubles at the state tournament.

“Love this group of guys so much. They did a tremendous job all season,” Gregory said. “They’re great teammates and they love each other and care about each other, and I’m really proud of them.”

This story was originally published March 12, 2022 at 5:50 PM.