Lakers pull away from Bucks late to win in Milwaukee

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MILWAUKEE - The Milwaukee Bucks’ defense faltered in the third quarter last night, as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Bucks 118-107 at the Bradley Center.

Milwaukee was up by three with five minutes left in the third period. But the Lakers ended the quarter with an 18-to-6 run to lead by nine. And it was never close after that. The defending NBA champions hit 10 three-pointers, and they out-shot the Bucks 54-to-46 percent.

Kobe Bryant had 31 points – the first time all season the Bucks let an opposing player score 30. Shannon Brown had 21 points off the bench, including four three-pointers. The Lakers were the first team score 100 on the Bucks in regulation this season.

Brandon Jennings had a big night for Milwaukee with 31 points, including four from behind-the-arc. Drew Gooden had a double-double with 22 points and 13 rebounds. Andrew Bogut had 18 boards. He caused a scare when he collided with teammate Corey Maggette, and fell hard on the right elbow for which he had surgery this summer. Bogut was okay, but said he’ll be sore today.

The Lakers ended a two-game losing streak, and improved to 9-2. The Bucks ended a three-game winning streak, and they blew a chance to go above .500 for the first time. They’re 5-6, and their next game is on Friday night at Philadelphia.

Tags: wisconsin sports, proam, basketball, bucks