Boys basketball: Pinellas Park escapes with overtime win

By Chris Girandola
Published January 12, 2008

PINELLAS PARK - The Patriots first proved their might with a win at Largo earlier this season. Then, they handed Clearwater its first loss of the season.

So, on Friday, Pinellas Park had a chance to solidify its status as top dog in Class 5A, District 9.

Up until a fourth-quarter rally and a decisive performance in overtime, though, the Patriots seemed as if they were ready to fall back to the rest of the crowd.

"A little had to do with Largo and the way they hit their shots when they had to and the way they played defense," Pinellas Park coach Allen Carden said. "But I don't think we played very well either. "

But the Patriots held on to outscore the Packers 10-5 in overtime and escape with a 73-68 win. It is the first time in more than 12 years that Pinellas Park has beaten Largo twice in a season.

Jake Troyli led the Patriots with 24 points, and Cam Carden had 20, including five 3-pointers.

The Patriots (17-2) rallied from eight points down in the fourth quarter with less than four minutes left. Troyli hit two free throws to put Pinellas Park up 63-60 with 16 seconds.

But Largo freshman guard Khari Armstrong sank a turn-around 3-pointer at the buzzer to send the game into overtime.

Pinellas Park led 20-12 after the first quarter, but the Packers (11-5) closed the gap and trailed 30-27 at halftime.

Largo went on an 8-0 run in the fourth for a 60-52 lead with 3:30 remaining. But the Patriots scored 11 straight points for a 61-60 lead before Troyli's free throws and Armstrong's tying 3-pointer.

[Last modified January 12, 2008, 00:15:31]