Boys 5A hoops: Patriots put Tigers away after slow start

By Chris Girandola, Times correspondent
Published February 15, 2008

PINELLAS PARK - Survive and advance.

It's a phrase used repeatedly in playoff basketball.

Pinellas Park did just that Thursday as it overcame a lackluster start to beat Middleton 59-44.

"We talk all year about the importance of playing well each and every game," Patriots coach Allen Carden said. "When you get to this point, though, we stress doing what's necessary to move on to the next round. Tonight, we had to adjust to things (Middleton) did. We played solid defense and rebounded the ball well, but, more than anything else, we had to put the ball in the hole."

In the first half, the Patriots (24-4) had trouble scoring as the Tigers' triangle-and-two defense frustrated Jake Troyli and Cam Carden.

But the Tigers (18-10) struggled to find their mark as well.

At halftime, the Patriots were up just 12-10.

Carden hit forward Jesse Woods for a driving layup to start the second half and then found Troyli at the top of the key for a 3-pointer to get the Patriots rolling. Carden sank two free throws on the next possession, and after a free throw by Tigers forward Cory Thomas, the Stetson-bound senior nailed a 3-pointer to give the Patriots a 22-11 lead.

Woods finished with 13 points, and Troyli added 11 points.

Jay Bowie led the Tigers with 13 points.

Chris Girandola, Times correspondent

[Last modified February 15, 2008, 00:13:10]