Udrih’s 23 lead Kings past Pistons 105-95

Sacramento Kings guard Beno Udrih, center, is congratulated by teammates Mikki Moore, left, and Brad Miller after Udrih scored against the Detroit Pistons during the second half of the Detroit Pistons-Sacramento Kings game, played Sunday night. Udrih scored 23 points as Sacramento beat Detroit 105-95.

After being a benchwarmer for San Antonio for two seasons, point guard Beno Udrih obviously needed a change of scenery. After the Spurs released him late in training camp, the Sacramento Kings acquired him to take the place of Mike Bibby, who is recovering from a thumb injury. And the Kings are reaping the benefits of his acquisition. Udrih scored 15 points during a key Kings rally in the third quarter, leading Sacramento past the Detroit Pistons 105-95 at Arco Arena.

Detroit led after one period 31-22; Sacramento scored 30 in the 2nd period but reduced the deficit to 58-52. Udrih keyed an imprtant Kings rally in the 3rd period by scoring 15 points in the period, including 11 in which Sacramento outscored Detroit 15-1 to take the lead. With the Kings holding on to a 94-92 lead, guard Kevin Martin hit two free throws after Detroit forward-center Rasheed Wallace and assistant coach Dave Cowens were assessed technical fouls for arguing a call.

Kings center Brad Miller hit 2 free throws after being fouled by Wallace which put the Kings up 98-92 with 2:17 left in the game; Detroit couldn’t get any closer. 6 Kings scored in double-figures, led by the aforementioned Udrih with 23 points, with 4 rebounds and 6 assists. Martin contributed 19 with 8 rebounds, while F Ron Artest added 16.

Detroit’s high scorer was F Tayshaun Prince with 19 points, with Wallace adding 17 and 12 rebounds and G Richard Hamilton chipping in 16. Sacramento (4-6), winners of 2 straight, hope to continue the streak when they host the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. Detroit (6-4), begins a 4-game homestand on Wednesday when they host the New York Knicks.