01/11/2006
By JASON CHLAPEK, Staff writer

ALLEN - The Allen boys basketball team seemed to be turning the corner Tuesday when it went into the fourth period trailing, 35-28.

But Plano closed out the game with a 22-13 run to send Allen to an 0-4 start in District 8-5A with a 57-41 loss at Eagle Gym.

Allen (6-15, 0-4) will try to snap its district losing streak when it visits Flower Mound Marcus at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Plano (13-7, 3-1) is now in a tie with Plano West for second in 8-5A. The Wildcats host district leader Flower Mound at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Plano Activity Center.

Both teams struggled offensively in the first half as Plano led 11-8 at the end of the first period and 20-12 at halftime. Allen outscored Plano, 16-15, in the third period to pull within seven, 35-28, heading into the final period.

But the Wildcats then put the game away with a 22-13 run in the fourth.

Scott Leever led Allen with 15 points. He was the only Eagle in double figures.

Plano was led by Eric Zastoupil's 18 points. John Roberson and Lawrence Mann also scored in double-digits with 14 and 12 points, respectively.

Allen also suffered a setback Friday when it lost to The Colony, 61-40, at The Colony.

The Eagles trailed 11-8 at the end of the first period before the Cougars used a 20-10 second period run and an 18-9 third period to seize a 49-27 lead.

Allen didn't have anyone score in double figures as Ryan Shrum led his team with eight points. Justin Kotey led The Colony with 14 points.