Roy Hibbert scored 20 points and chipped in 15 rebounds to lead the Indiana Pacers get past the Milwaukee Bucks 95-80 on Saturday night, claiming its third home win over the Bucks in a row.
''We knew this was going to be a must-win situation for us,'' The Associated Press quoted David West as saying. ''We're fighting to stay even with these guys in the season series and stay ahead of them in the standings.''
Hibbert had a career-high 11 offensive rebounds, which was only one short of the franchise record, to help the Pacers register their first win against the Bucks in the current season.
''I just wanted to carve out some space and try to get as many offensive rebounds as possible,'' he said. ''Early in the season, I'd catch the rebound and I'd just go back up real soft. (Tonight) I just came back down and took my time, either passing it out or trying to go up and score it tough.''
For the Pacers, George Hill, who could not play in the last three games because of a groin injury, added 14 points and grabbed eight rebounds on his return, while Lance Stephenson and West had 10 points apiece. Tyler Hansbrough finished with nine points and six rebounds and Paul George scored eight points and chipped in nine rebounds against the Bucks.
In the fiercely fought first quarter, both the teams scored 21 apiece. Indiana outscored the Bucks 31-26 in the second period to enter the second half with a five-point lead.
The Bucks cut the Pacers' lead and moved ahead of the opponents 53-52 in the third quarter, but with the help of an 8-0 run, Indiana ended the third period with a 13-point lead.
The Pacers outscored Milwaukee 18-16 in the fourth quarter to win the game by 15 points.
''A really quality win against a division opponent we needed to get a win against,'' Pacers coach Frank Vogel said. ''Limiting ourselves to 13 turnovers was a factor, as was our rebounding, particularly on the offensive glass.''
For the Bucks, the top scorer Monta Ellis scored 21 points. Brandon Jennings added 12 points and five assists, Larry Sanders contributed with 12 points and 12 rebounds and the reserve John Henson grabbed 13 rebounds.
The Pacers are motivated by their consecutive wins at home, but their real test will be on Tuesday, when they will face defending NBA champion Miami at Indianapolis.
''Coach is holding us accountable to protect our home court,'' Hill said. ''Like he says, this is supposed to be sacred ground, something we have to cherish when other people come into this arena. It takes all of us, and that's what we're buying into.''
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