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Last-Second Block Boosts Durant

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By NICK WILLIAMS

nwilliams@tampatrib.com

Published: December 4, 2008

PLANT CITY - With the fans on their feet, Durant sophomore Andre Nation blocked a 3-point attempt by Plant City's Josh Thiebe as time expired to seal his team's 55-52 victory in a Class 6A-District 8 boys basketball game Wednesday night.

The victory was Durant's first at Plant City in four years, and it allowed the Cougars to take home the Ron Frost Trophy, which is exchanged between the programs whenever the home team loses.

Durant junior point guard Jeff Thomas sank two free throws with 23.8 seconds left in the fourth quarter to give his team a three-point lead. He finished the game with a game-high 18 points to go with three assists.

"We know each other, so there was a lot of trash-talking on the court," Thomas said. "It was nice to win on their court."

Durant (3-1) squandered a 21-7 first-quarter lead, allowing the Raiders to go on a 21-7 run to tie the game at 28 at halftime. Both teams exchanged baskets in the third quarter, and with 1:27 remaining in the fourth, the score was tied at 52.

Nation broke the tie with a free throw. He missed two free throws with 6.9 seconds left that could have extended the lead, but redeemed himself on the other end.

"Boy did he ever," Durant coach Jeff Shotwell said.

Thiebe led Plant City with 16 points and seven rebounds.

"We're just not executing on the offensive side," Plant City coach Wardell Chambers said. "We turned the ball over. They gave us our opportunities."

Reporter Nick Williams can be reached at (813) 259-7851

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