Udrih leads Kings past Pistons 105-95

Beno Udrih had 23 points and six assists to help the Sacramento Kings beat the Detroit Pistons 105-95 on Sunday night.

Udrih, a late preseason cut by San Antonio who came to the Kings as a backup, has quickly become a starter. He showed why against the Pistons, making 9 of 13 shots and all five of his free throws attempts and fueling a strong second half by the Kings.

But Udrih had plenty of help, as the Kings won for a second straight time and improved to 4-1 at home. Kevin Martin had 19 points and eight rebounds, Ron Artest scored 16, Brad Miller had 15 points and nine rebounds, and Mikki Moore added 10 points and nine rebounds.

Tayshaun Prince scored 19 points for the Pistons, who have lost two straight. Rasheed Wallace had 17 points and 12 rebounds, Rip Hamilton scored 17 and Chauncey Billups contributed 14 points and nine assists.

Clinging to a 94-92 lead, Martin hit free two throws after Rasheed Wallace and Detroit assistant coach Dave Cowens both drew technical fouls for arguing a call. Miller hit two more free throws to put the Kings ahead 98-92 with 2:17 left, and the Pistons never got any closer.

It was the end of a five-game trip for the road-weary Pistons, who went 2-3 and have opened the season by playing eight of 10 games away from home. Detroit starts a five-game homestand Wednesday against New York.

With Billups in the starting lineup after sitting out the previous two games due to a sore knee and hip pointer, the Pistons came out strong in the first half, shooting 61 percent and taking a 58-52 lead. But Detroit lost its lead in the third quarter when it was outscored 23-14.

Sacramento took control for much of the third quarter behind the scoring of Udrih, picked up by the Kings when point guard Mike Bibby injured his thumb prior to the start of the regular season.

Udrih ignited a 15-1 run in the third period with 11 points, helping the Kings overcome a nine-point deficit. Scoring on drives to the baskets and medium range jumpers, Udrih had 15 points in the quarter as Sacramento took a 75-72 lead into the fourth.

Prince scored 14 points and Hamilton had 13 in the opening half when Detroit led 58-52. Although Martin had 10 first-half points, he hit just 3 of 10 shots.

Notes:@ Antonio McDyess missed his third straight game because of a left shoulder strain. The Kings play the Suns on Tuesday at home and the two teams meet again Wednesday in Phoenix. Shareef Abdur-Rahim was not with the Kings due to personal reasons. Jason Maxiell fouled out despite playing only 15 minutes.