Critical free throws in the final minutes allowed the Austin Maroons to outlast the Lehman Lobos 57-49 Friday at Bales Gym in a play-in contest to decide the final 25-6A playoff spot.

With the defeat, Lehman’s (16-16) historic 2019 campaign ends one win shy of reaching the playoffs.

Austin (15-15) used a strong third frame to catapult past Lehman and keep the Lobos at arms’ length.

The Maroons, which led 27-25 at intermission, outscored Lehman 14-6 in the third quarter, which expanded t...