Published Jul 25, 2002
Lavender, Foust Outlast Deng
Mike Sullivan
Publisher
This afternoon's quarterfinal match between the New Jersey Demons and All Ohio at the Showcase in Orlando, Florida, will be remembered for a long time.
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It will be remembered for the way it ended -- Brandon Foust (right) hitting on a lob pass as the buzzer expired to give All Ohio a place in the semifinal.
It will be remembered for the great effort put forth by All Ohio point guard Andrew Lavender, who hit a game-high 46 points.
It will be remembered for the great play by Luol Deng and his teammates. Deng finished with 27 points while teammate Chris Alvarez added 23 points. Deng and company were watched by most of the programs involved in his recruiting process today -- Indiana head coach Mike Davis, Coach K of Duke, Rick Barnes of Texas, Skip Prosser of Wake Forest, as well as assistants from Missouri, Virginia and George Washington.
Lavender also had his coaches evaluating him too. Many ACC schools were on hand to watch his razzle and dazzle past New Jersey defenders. In fact, it was Lavender's 30-footer with five seconds left in regulation that send the game into the first overtime.
Deng and Lavender battled back and forth through two overtimes. Each hit key free throws and clutch baskets. But it was a screen play set near the foul line that set Foust free and to the basket for an easy layin as Deng trailed the play.
All Ohio will now have a rematch of the Peach Jam final. They will face the Houston Hoops team, led by Tack Minor (left).
We will update tonight's semifinals later on this site.