SIXERS NEWS

The Sixers welcomed the Detroit Piston to the Wachovia center this afternoon for a key matchup. Coming in the Sixers could also clinch a playoff spot with a win. Early on it looked like they wouln't able to do so, as they did what they normally do during games, falling behind early, and then desperately attempting to rally back. Thanks to some stellar defense in the 2nd half, holding the Pistons to 37% shooting from the field, and the Andres, with Iggy scoring 31, and Miller compiling a triple double with 21 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds, the Sixers were able to mount a rally and this time it did not come up short. Early on after clinging to a 2 point lead through a quarter of play,the Sixers found themselves down by 4 at the half with the score 50-46. By the 4th quarter Detroit had their lead up to 6 with the score 74-68. Finally in the 4th quarter, when they needed to the most, the Sixers were able to pick it up on both sides of the ball, as they rolled to a 5 point win, with the final score 95-90. So the Sixers move to 40-35 overall and remain 5th in the Eastern conference by percentage points over the Miam Heat. Perhaps more importantly though, the Sixers have now clinched a spot in the playoffs as well.