Morning Box Score

By Matt Motyka in News on Mar 22, 2009 4:50PM

Lakers Top Bulls
The Chicago Bulls appeared positioned for another big home win on Saturday, but instead fell victim to the Los Angeles Lakers, 117-109. The Bulls led by as many as 16 in the contest and held an eight-point advantage early in the fourth quarter, but couldn’t hang on to the ball or their lead. Seven Chicago turnovers fuelled an eight-minute, 28-5 run by the hot-handed Lakers, who would cruise to victory. The Bulls coughed it up 23 times in the contest, including 16 steals by the LA squad. John Salmons led Chicago offensively with 30 points, while Derrick Rose notched 25 and Tyrus Thomas collected 15 points and 16 boards. The Bulls will try to take one on the road from the woeful Washington Wizards tomorrow tonight.

Fire Best FC Dallas The MLS season is underway, and the Chicago Fire got off on the right foot with a 3-1 victory over FC Dallas. Kenny Cooper scored first for Dallas at the nine-minute mark, but Chicago’s Justin Mapp would answer and even the score by the half. Brian McBride put the Fire in front on a penalty kick shortly thereafter, and Cuauhtemoc Blanco curled-in a free kick in the game’s final minute to ensure the win. Chicago was efficient in their opener, making the most of only five shots while thwarting nine of 10 Dallas attempts. The Fire play DC United next Saturday.