New Jersey Nets Team Report - November 11

(Basketball News) - The New Jersey Nets were defeated by the Philadelphia 76ers, 108-100, in overtime on Wednesday at the Wachovia Center.

Richard Jefferson poured in a game-high 33 points for New Jersey, but missed crucial free throws down the stretch. Eric Williams ended with 17 points and Alonzo Mourning chipped in 16 and nine rebounds in the loss for the Nets, who have dropped two of their last three games.

After the Nets used an 8-0 run for an 84-77 lead in the fourth quarter, the Sixers battled back and sent the game into overtime. New Jersey was ahead 96-94 and had two chances to seal the win from the foul line. However, Jefferson and Mourning each missed a pair of free throws and Allen Iverson later buried a jumper to even the score at 96 apiece with 7.2 seconds remaining in regulation. Jefferson’s desperation shot in the waning seconds was no good.

Corliss Williamson’s three-point play opened the extra session and gave the 76ers a 99-96 edge. After Jefferson missed two more foul shots, Philadelphia made it 101-96 on Williamson’s jump shot with four minutes left in OT.

Marc Jackson’s layup in the paint then put the 76ers ahead 103-96 and New Jersey got its initial basket of overtime thanks to Brian Scalabrine’s jumper from the corner. Williamson then knocked down two free throws for a 105-98 margin.

Mourning’s field goal cut it to 105-100, but New Jersey never got any closer.

Jefferson leads New Jersey, which is 2-3 this season, in scoring (22 ppg), rebounding (9.8 rpg) and assists (5.4 apg) this season.

The Nets are off until Saturday when they host the Dallas Mavericks in the first of a four-game homestand. New Jersey will also host the Houston Rockets, Seattle SuperSonics and Washington Wizards on the stand.