Granger leads Pacers in 89-88 win over Bucks

By Cliff Brunt

Associated Press

Published: Friday, April 1 2011 7:45 p.m. MDT

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Milwaukee Bucks guard Brandon Jennings, right, shoots under pressure from Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert in the first half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Friday, April 1, 2011.

Michael Conroy, Associated Press

Summary

Danny Granger scored 17 points and the Indiana Pacers beat Milwaukee 89-88 on Friday night, solidifying their playoff position while pushing the Bucks to the brink of elimination in the Eastern Conference race.

INDIANAPOLIS — Danny Granger scored 17 points and the Indiana Pacers beat Milwaukee 89-88 on Friday night, solidifying their playoff position while pushing the Bucks to the brink of elimination in the Eastern Conference race.

The Bucks trailed the entire second half but could have won in the closing seconds, when Drew Gooden missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer.

Indiana is currently in the final playoff spot in the East, two games ahead of Charlotte and four ahead of Milwaukee with five to play. The Bobcats lost to Orlando 89-77 on Friday night.

Roy Hibbert had 15 points and 11 rebounds and Brandon Rush added 12 points for the Pacers (35-42), who have won five of seven. Indiana improved to 18-15 under interim coach Frank Vogel.

Brandon Jennings had 20 points and seven rebounds and Andrew Bogut added 16 points before fouling out for the Bucks (30-45).

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