Arizona Basketball: Nico Mannion drops 57 points and game-winner

Brighter days are coming for Arizona Basketball as 2019 commit Nico Mannion scores 57 points including the buzzer beater in a win.

For those that were needing a bit more Arizona Basketball action certainly got all that they bargained for and more on Friday night if they followed the game of current commit Nico Mannion.

Schools separated by just 12 miles, it was a hotly contested game in Phoenix between Pinnacle High School and Chaparral High School omg Friday evening. Who knew, that whoever was watching and following this one would have witnessed such a memorable game.

Arizona Wildcats

Already in the midst of a historic senior season, Mannion put together another monstrous performance, on senior day nonetheless. When his team has needed him the most, he’s stepped up.

Rated as the west’s top point guard, the senior is averaging 28.7 points, 6.5 assists and 6.3 rebounds per game according to Maxpreps.

His team is also 22-3 and is vying for their second-straight championship this year. Already getting prepped for the playoffs, the Pioneers would have a big test against a solid Chaparral team at home.

Just as expected, it was electric from the start, as Pinnacle would come out with a commanding 20-11 lead. However, that lead would dissipate quickly as Chaparral would come storming back to cut it within one to trail 25-24 at the end of the first.

However, a big second quarter by the Firebirds gave Chaparral a big 55-46 lead at the half.

Unfortunately for Chaparral, that’s when Nico and Pinnacle would come alive, helping his team to climb back in this one. A big third quarter performance gave the Pioneers the lead once again at 71-70, as they outscored Chaparral 25-15 in the quarter.

Heading into the fourth and final quarter, who knew we would witness a tremendous ending. Both teams seemingly competing shot-for-shot, it was all setting up for a thrilling end.

Tied at 88-88, Pinnacle would have just a few seconds left to try and prevent this one from going to overtime. Who better to take the last shot than your senior captain?

Nico would take the in-bound pass, racing up the court with just seconds left to try and get off a shot before the buzzer.

Facing some tough defense, Nico would float in between defenders from nearly 27-feet out before finally releasing the shot just before the buzzer, as the ball clanked off the backboard and rim to fall in as time expired.

The three-pointer by Mannion gave him his 57th point of the game, and delivered the 91-88 win for Pinnacle.

Just take a look at his performance!

At Zona Zealots, we’re proud of Nico and the way he played on senior day! He never ceases to amaze and only makes us the more excited to see him play in Tucson! Bear Down, Arizona!