AUBURN HILLS, Mich.(AP) Rookie Arron Afflalo had career highs of 15 points and seven rebounds as the Detroit Pistons clinched the Central Division title with a 85-69 victory over the Miami Heat on Thursday night.
Detroit came in having lost three of four, and struggled against the hapless Heat. The Pistons were missing All-Star guard Richard Hamilton (hip) for the third straight game.
Miami, which only dressed nine players, has lost 13 of 15.
Reserve Jason Maxiell had 15 points for Detroit, while Chauncey Billups added 13 points and 11 assists.
Rookie Blake Ahearn, who came into the game with seven career points, led Miami with 15, but only two other players reached double figures.
Miami led for most of the first half and had an eight-point advantage late in the second quarter, but Detroit narrowed the gap to 45-43 at intermission. The Heat outrebounded the Pistons 20-15 in the half, including a 6-1 advantage on the offensive boards.
The Pistons went ahead early in the third quarter, but wasted an opportunity to build a big lead. They missed seven free throws in the period, including five by Antonio McDyess.
That let the Heat stay in the game, but Detroit had expanded the margin to 66-55 by quarter's end. Maxiell had 11 points and five rebounds in the period.
Miami got within 70-65 with 7:30 to go, but Rasheed Wallace answered with a 3-pointer. Afflalo's three-point play moved the lead to 80-69 with 2:39 left and the Pistons finally took control.
Notes: The team announced its 220th straight sellout, but there were a large number of empty seats due to a spring snowstorm in the Detroit area. ... Ricky Davis was the only of Miami's five leading scorers to play. ... Miami coach Pat Riley will miss the next two games while scouting NCAA Tournament games.
Another Triumph this year, I always believe Underdogs can make the difference.
DEEEETROIT BASKETBALL!!!!
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