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Third-quarter run lifts Plant to win

TAMPA -- The 54-40 score was deceptive.

Low in points but high in theatrics, Plant's victory Wednesday night against rival Brandon lived up to the hype. Both teams had their share of fastbreak layups, in-your-face blocks and flashy moves to force a 19-19 halftime tie. It was the third-period change of pace, though, that brought on some of the most mind-boggling performances.

"When we get (Brandon) to turn the ball over," Plant senior Mike Williams said, "it's show time after that."

The Eagles, who defeated Plant last month, were able to tame Panthers point guard Tyler Azzarelli and defend against most of Plant's post play. They seemed helpless, however, against junior wing player Jonathan Seber.

Seber hit four 3-pointers in the last four minutes of the third quarter, contributing to Plant's 38-27 lead entering the fourth. Add that to one of Williams' best performances (12 points, 12 rebounds, 11 blocks), capped by a dunk at the buzzer, and the game belonged to Plant (17-4, 7-1) in the waning minutes.

"Defensively, we played great," Brandon coach Mark Hermann said. "When you hold a team to 54 points, you should have won the game.

"We couldn't score points. They got that 10-point lead and we could never overcome that."

Brandon was led by Jairus Wilkerson's 14 points. J.J. Turner added seven.

A win for the Eagles (18-4, 6-2) would have put them in prime position for the Class 4A, District 9 tournament, which should be full of fierce battles. A berth in the Class 4A state playoffs will be up for grabs between Brandon, Plant and Jefferson -- all state-ranked.

"We just made life a little more difficult for us," Hermann said.

Plant's Azzarelli said it has been a struggle for the Panthers to find their rhythm.

"We had some new guys, guys that were searching for their role," he said. "We weren't playing as a team, but now everyone is playing for us."

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