Indiana Pacers Team Report - March 2

(Basketball News) - The Pacers suffered a disappointing 101-93 loss at the hands of the Seattle SuperSonics at Conseco Fieldhouse on Tuesday night.

Stephen Jackson poured in 28 points in the loss and Jermaine O’Neal added 18, but the Pacers dropped their second straight contest on the heels of a five- game winning streak. Austin Croshere netted 15 points in the loss and Reggie Miller chipped in 10.

Indiana head coach Rick Carlisle was ejected after receiving two technical fouls in the first quarter.

The Pacers were without point guard Jamaal Tinsley (bruised left foot) and center Jeff Foster (back spasms) for the third consecutive game. It is unknown when Tinsley and Foster will be able to return.

Indiana connected on 25-of-36 from the stripe (.690). O’Neal, playing a bruised rib, made just 8-of-14 free throws.

O’Neal has been terrific for the Pacers this season, registering 25.1 points (8th-NBA), 9.1 rebounds and 2.2 blocks (7th) per contest. Not counting Ron Artest, Stephen Jackson is second on the squad in scoring (16.5 ppg) and rebounding (5.5 rpg).

Indiana is 25th in the league in scoring (92.6 ppg) and fifth in points allowed (93.2). The Pacers are 22nd in the league in shooting percentage (.437) and 12th in opponents’ shooting percentage (.443).

Indiana has a day off now before beginning a four-game road trip in the Mile High City against the Denver Nuggets. The Pacers will face Portland Friday at the Rose Garden and the Los Angeles Lakers at the Staples Center on Sunday.