Detroit Pistons center Ben Wallace (3) argues with official Steve Javie (29) during the fourth quarter against the San Antonio Spurs in San Antonio on Thursday, March 25, 2004. Wallace was given two technical fouls and ejected from the game, which San Antonio won 84-75. (China Daily/AP)

    The host Spurs (47-25) moved within two games of the Minnesota Timberwolves for first place in the Midwest Division standings.

    Detroit (46-27), which was beaten for the second straight game, had Ben Wallace ejected with 6:07 remaining. Wallace was called on a loose-ball foul with his team trailing 71-64. When he argued with referee Steve Javie, the official ejected the Pistons forward.

    Tony Parker added 16 points, 10 in the second half, and seven assists for the defending champion Spurs. Tim Duncan had 12 points and 13 rebounds. Rasheed Wallace led the Pistons with 17 points and 14 rebounds but Detroit failed to maintain any momentum after leading by as many as nine points in the first half. Richard Hamilton notched 17 points and Corliss Williamson 10. Ben Wallace chalked up two points and eight rebounds before he was ejected.

    In Atlanta, Bob Sura picked up 23 points and a career-high 15 rebounds to lead the Hawks to an 84-76 win over the New Orleans Hornets.

(China Daily/Agencies)