NBA: Boston 101, Charlotte 78

CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 5 (UPI) -- Leon Powe's 22 points and nine rebounds Saturday led the Boston Celtics' 101-78 rout of the Charlotte Bobcats.

Boston set a quick tone by spurting to a 37-25 lead after the first period. The lead was 61-48 at halftime, and after Charlotte scored the first six points to begin the second half, Boston used its defense to win going away.

The losers scored only nine points in the fourth period.

James Posey scored 19 points. Reserve Eddie House scored 16 with four rebounds and Tony Allen scored 12 for the Celtics, who extended their winning streak to seven games.

Emeka Okafor's 17 points and eight rebounds led Charlotte. Earl Boykins scored 15 points. Raymond Felton had 11 points and 10 assists while Jared Dudley added 10 points and five rebounds for the Bobcats, who fell to 19-20 at home.

The victory guaranteed the Celtics home-court advantage throughout the NBA playoffs.