Durant’s first NCAA game not his last

By Associated Press     Mar 17, 2007

Texas forward Kevin Durant (35) shakes hands with New Mexico State guard Ted Knauber. Durant scored 27 points in the Longhorns' 79-67 victory Friday in Spokane, Wash.

? Kevin Durant had reason to be nervous.

It was his first NCAA Tournament game – and possibly his last. At least that’s how it looked until Texas took control against New Mexico State, thanks in part to their star freshman.

Durant had 27 points, including 11 of 12 free throws in the second half, and eight rebounds to lead fourth-seeded Texas to a 79-67 victory Friday night in the first round of the East Regional.

“Durant’s a pro,” said New Mexico State coach Reggie Theus, a former NBA All-Star guard, using the word no one in Texas wants to associate with Durant for at least another wondrous year in Austin.

“And pros know how to adjust. … I will tell you from my own personal experience that when you’re able to draw fouls, you will be a great scorer.”

Even with a case of nerves.

Before Durant’s seventh consecutive 25-point game, Wanda Pratt, Durant’s mother, called her son from Suitland, Md. She thought Kevin sounded unusually nervous. Even Texas coach Rick Barnes later said he noticed his star was “jumpy.”

But the 18-year-old freshman looked ever the cool veteran down the stretch.

USC 77, Arkansas 60

Spokane, Wash. – Taj Gibson did much of his best work this season after most of America had gone to sleep, gaga over those other multitalented freshmen.

He finished with 18 points and eight rebounds to lift the Trojans over Arkansas.

Nick Young scored 20 points for the Trojans (24-11), who won in their first appearance in the tournament since 2002.

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