SIXERS NEWS

After beginning their first playoff run in 3 years on Sunday, with a stunning win over the Detroit Pistons, the Sixers came into tonight feeling confident. That confidence may have eroded after tonight. From the onset Detroit came out with an energy they never had on Sunday and never let up. In other words the Sixers never had that chance they had Sunday to rally from behind. All they could do was stand by and watch as Detroit romped to victory. Offensively, it was a struggle for the Sixers as they shot only 39% from the field, although 5 Sixers scored in double figures(Thaddeus Young, Andre Miller, Louis Williams, Reggie Evans, Rodney Carney) with sweet Lou's 17 leading the way. Defensively, it was not a good night for the Sixers, as although they turned the ball over only 10 times, they were out rebounded 42-34 and allowed Detroit to shoot 54.9% from the field, definitely not a recipe for victory. In the first quarter of play, the Pistons jumped out to a quick lead, but somehow the Sixers managed to stay within 7, with score 25-18. In the second quarter of play, the Pistons just kept taking it too the Sixers and by the half they lead by 17, with the score 53-36. In the 3rd quarter of play, the Pistons continued to pull away and led by 22, with the score 84-62 heading into the 4th. Finally, in the 4th quarter of play, the Sixers actually made some inroads, but it was of no use as the Pistons still won going away by 17, with the final score 105-88. So now with the series tied at a game a piece it shifts to the Wachovia center where hopefully the Sixers will regain the momentum they had after game 1.