Pistons Coast Past Magic 101-93

[January 26, 2008]  AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (AP) -- Richard Hamilton scored 32 points and Rasheed Wallace had 13 of his 15 in the first quarter, helping the Detroit Pistons build a big lead that allowed them to coast in a 101-93 win over the Orlando Magic on Friday night.

The Central Divison-leading Pistons were dominant in the first half, setting up their second straight win after dropping a season-high three in a row - including a loss at Orlando - and six of nine games.

Dwight Howard had 22 points and 14 rebounds and Hedo Turkoglu scored 23 for the Southeast Division-leading Magic, who had won three straight.

Wallace controlled in the beginning, making a steal on the opening possession and scoring seven points, blocking a shot and grabbing a rebound in the first 2 1/2 minutes.

The rest of the Pistons started strong, too, combining to make 77 percent of their shots as they scored a season-high 39 points in the first quarter.

Hamilton scoring 14 of Detroit's 29 points in the second quarter, helping the Pistons score a season-high 68 points in the first half.

The Magic went on a 13-0 run late in the third quarter and pulled to 85-73, then hung around in the fourth without truly threatening to come back.

Orlando got an injury scare from reserve guard Keyon Dooling in the second quarter.

The reserve guard bruised his right knee in the opening minute and was helped off the court, walking gingerly toward the locker room. Dooling returned late in the third quarter and started the fourth.

Detroit's Chauncey Billups had 21 points and six assists. Antonio McDyess had 10 points and 13 rebounds.

Wallace's production fell off after his sensational start.

He went to the bench with four fouls at the 3:58 mark of the third quarter. After he was called for a fifth foul with 8:04 left in the game, he was called for a technical for arguing. He fouled out late in the game.

Orlando's Rashard Lewis had a lackluster game, missing 12 of 15 shots and scoring 13 points. Carlos Arroyo had 16 points and reserve Keith Bogans added 10.

Notes:@ Orlando PG Jameer Nelson (right foot) missed the game and is day to day. ... The Magic gave up more points in the first quarter and half than they had previously this season. ... Arroyo and Maurice Evans, former Pistons, were in Orlando's starting lineup. ... Detroit leads the season series 2-1 with one scheduled remaining on Feb. 19 at home. ... Detroit is 4 1/2 games ahead of Orlando for the second-best record in the Eastern Conference. ... Faces in the crowd included Tigers CF Curtis Granderson and P Dontrelle Willis along with Michigan Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard.

[Associated Press; By LARRY LAGE]

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