Truck Streamrolls Opponents In IS8 Playoffs

Reporter Mike Sullivan has the story on a big day for Darryl "Truck" Bryant ...

SOUTH JAMAICA, N.Y. -- West Virginia prospect Darryl Bryant has the nickname "Truck" for several reasons -- his wide build and his unrelenting way of attacking the basket with physical force. Today, in the IS8 playoffs, he was on top of his game.

Bryant scored 35 points to lead United Brooklyn to a hard fought victory over NYABC (formerly Team Odom), 86-82, to advance to Sunday's quarterfinal round.

But Bryant was not a one man show for the winners. Rutgers recruit Patrick Jackson also had a tremendous game, scoring 30 points. "They are a tough team," Jackson said. "For us to get this win says something."

It does say that these two talented prospects live another day in South Jamaica at IS8. But for a while, it looked like NYABC was going to outlast them.

NYABC led 22-18 after the first eight minutes of play and pushed the lead up to 43-31 at the half. Sean Johnson had a big first half for NYABC, scoring 12 of his 16 points. He also dropped in two three-pointers in the second quarter.

However, United Brooklyn's combo of "Truck" Bryant and Jackson started to wear down the NYABC defense. United Brooklyn sprinted to the fourth quarter with a 61-58 lead.

In the final quarter, there was several ties and lead changes. But it was a Bryant three-point play late in the game and two clutch free throws by Jackson that sealed up the victory for United Brooklyn.

Ryan Pearson, headed to George Mason, had another outstanding game in his final game at IS8. The agile and slick lefty darted through and around the United Brooklyn defense for 28 points.

But there was too much Big East recruits for NYABC today at IS8.