With the most thrilling fourth quarter of the season so far, Cinco Ranch lost to Taylor 46-45 Tuesday night on a buzzer-beating jumper, putting their playoff chances on a thread.

The Cougars led early 11-3 with offensive bursts from senior guards Derrick Jones and Garrett Wilson.

Taylor gained momentum, though, and quickly took a lead that never climbed above single digits.

In the fourth quarter, Wilson sunk eight straight free throws, shrinking the Mustang lead to one point with seven seconds left, giving Taylor the final possession.

However, Cinco Ranch senior guard Kevin Yates swiped an inbounds pass and dished the ball to senior forward JC Chandler, who found Jones under the basket for a go-ahead layup as time expired.

But with a Cougar 45-44 lead, the officials put three seconds back on the clock, following a Taylor timeout and giving the Mustangs one final possession from Cinco Ranch’s baseline.

Taylor senior guard Blake Provost took the inbounds pass, dribbled across the court and pulled up for a 19-foot jumper at the buzzer, giving  the “blue school” a 46-45 District 19-5A win.

“The game was over,” Jones said. “We just had to make one more defensive play. [Provost] just made a good a** shot.”

In order to advance to the playoffs, Cinco Ranch must win all of their remaining games against Morton Ranch, Katy, Mayde Creek, and Seven Lakes. Also, Memorial would need to lose two of their remaining games against Seven Lakes, Strake Jesuit, and Mayde Creek. In that situation, Cinco Ranch and Memorial would play a single-elimination playoff match.

Cinco Ranch will begin their must-win streak at Morton Ranch on Friday, Feb. 3, tipoff at 7 p.m.