Mann’s Late Heroics Lead Santa Ana Valley

Olujimi Mann scored Santa Ana Valley’s last 11 points, including the game-winning free throw with four seconds left, as the Falcons defeated Long Beach Jordan, 51-50, Friday in a Southern Section Division I-AA second-round playoff game.

After Mann blocked a potential game-winning shot by Jordan’s Chris Sykes with 10 seconds left, he got the rebound and was fouled in the backcourt by Jordan’s Robert Masing. Mann made the front end of a one-and-one, then Jordan’s Brandon Boyd launched a half-court shot that bounced off the backboard and rim to end the game.

Mann, who finished with 27 points, made two free throws with 20.4 seconds left to tie the score at 50. The sophomore guard rallied Santa Ana Valley (25-3) from a 48-42 deficit with two minutes left by making two three-pointers.

The Falcons led, 39-31, entering the fourth quarter, but Jordan went on a 15-1 run to start the quarter, sparked by seven points from Sykes.

Michael Riggins added 12 points for the Falcons, who advance to play Chino Hills Ayala in the quarterfinals. Sykes led Jordan with 16 points.