DENVER — Less than a second remained on the scoreboard with the game still tied.
George Washington and Ponderosa had been going back and forth all night long on Friday, fighting to keep their seasons alive.
The 15-seed Patriots were hosting the 18-seed Mustangs in the the second round of the Class 4A girls basketball state tournament -- and it came down to a free throw.
Tied 53-53 with seven seconds left, Ponderosa was poised to put up a game-winning attempt when they turned the ball over. Coming from the other end of the court, George Washigton freshman Mya Cotto raced down and tried to put up a shot at the buzzer.
It didn't go, but she was fouled with less than a second to play -- sending her to the line for three free-throw attempts with 0.4 seconds on the clock.
She iced the first, which was all that was needed to secure the 54-53 thrilling victory.
"I was very nervous. I was fidgeting the whole time but I pulled it out and I'm proud of myself," Cotto said.
George Washington's win secured a spot in the third round, where they will play 2-seed Pueblo West on the road at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
Ponderosa's season ends with a 17-8 overall record.
Watch the extended video above and see the highlights on the 9NEWS Prep Rally on Sunday morning!
RELATED: Prep Rally Honor Roll (2/25/20)
SUGGESTED VIDEOS | Sports