AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 11 (UPI) -- Chauncey Billups scored 26 points but committed a key blunder Saturday night as the Detroit Pistons had a four-game winning streak stopped by the Milwaukee Bucks, 89-87.
After Ray Allen missed a potential clinching layup, Billups grabbed the rebound with 3.4 seconds left. But he started to dribble and let 1 1/2 seconds tick off before calling timeout, depriving the Pistons of a chance to inbound from halfcourt.
They did not get off a shot on the ensuing possession.
Milwaukee led from the outset, scoring the game's first eight points. Allen had 12 of his 28 in the first half, when the Bucks led by as many as 16 points.
Detroit spent the second half chipping away as Jon Barry scored all of his 14 points in the fourth quarter, including two free throws with 3:39 left that got the Pistons within 82-81.
But Anthony Mason converted a three-point play and the Pistons never had a chance to grab the lead.
Milwaukee played without point guard Sam Cassell, who is suffering from back spasms. Detroit forward Ben Wallace missed the game with a sprained ankle.
