Sun Apr 13 21:47:07 2008

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Turkoglu, Magic slow down Bulls

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Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - Hedo Turkoglu scored 24 points and doled out eight assists to lead the Orlando Magic past the Chicago Bulls, 104-84, at the United Center.

Dwight Howard added 19 points for the Magic, who have alternated wins and losses for the last eight games, but are still locked into the third spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Rashard Lewis totaled 18 points, and Maurice Evans 10.

Andres Nocioni poured in 22 points off the bench for the Bulls, who have dropped four of five overall. Luol Deng tallied 19 points, while Chris Duhon and Joakim Noah ended with 10 apiece.

The Magic jumped out to a 36-24 lead after the first frame. The Bulls charged in the second quarter and cut their deficit to 53-48 at the half.

Two free throws from Tyrus Thomas pulled Chicago as close as 55-52 with about 10 1/2 minutes left in the third.

Lewis answered with a three-pointer that sparked an 8-2 run, which gave the Magic a nine-point cushion.

The teams traded shots until back-to-back buckets from Aaron Gray and Duhon made it a six-point game, but Turkoglu answered with a layup to make it 82-74 in Orlando's favor heading into the final 12 minutes of play.

A pair of Turkoglu free throws sparked a 7-0 run that the Magic used to start the fourth quarter and take a 15-point lead. Turkoglu also closed out the run via a three-point play with 9:12 left in regulation.

The Magic kept pressing and eventually opened a 20-point lead, 98-78, on a jumper from Carlos Arroyo with 6:03 showing on the clock. Orlando cruised the rest of the way.

Game Notes

Orlando is 26-14 away from Amway Arena this season...Orlando (50-30) last won 50 games during the 1995-96 campaign, when they went 60-22 and lost in the Eastern Conference Finals to Michael Jordan and the Bulls...Chicago owns a 19-21 record in the Windy City this season...The Magic swept the season series and have won four straight after losing their last three at the United Center.