The Indiana Pacers prevailed over the Milwaukee Bucks with the undefeated streak on the line and moved to 9-0 on the season on Friday night. The Pacers are five games shy of tying the 2002-03 Dallas Mavericks who started the season 14-0.

With back-to-back division games there is “added motivation,” according to Pacers head coach Frank Vogel. These games are also more important as they work toward a division title and home-court advantage in the postseason.

Vogel emphasized the team’s desire for success when he said, “We’re going after anyone that comes in our way.”

That included tonight’s opponent as the Pacers rolled to a 104-77 victory. It was the first time this year that the Pacers broke 100 points in a regular season game.

Paul George was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week for the week of November 4 to November 10 after averaging 24.8 points per game (ppg). His performance tonight included 22 points and two steals.

He is currently ranked sixth in the NBA in points per game, but teammate Hibbert has an NBA leading average of 4.8 blocks per game. Tonight, he had eight.

Hibbert proved to be an all around weapon against the Bucks. He had a season high 24 points. He was six points shy of his career-best 30 against the New Orleans Pelicans (nee Hornets) on February 21, 2012.  He also had 10 rebounds for his second double-double of the season.

“Hibbert was sensational, proving night in and night out that he’s the best rim protector in the league,” said Vogel.  “And he brought it on the offensive end tonight.”

Even the Bucks’ Luke Ridnour couldn’t deny Hibbert’s performance tonight. “He’s gotten better and better. He’s tough. The team is good. They have a chance to win it. They’re built for it,” said Ridnour.

The Bucks have had to rely on a select group of players after having eight of their 15-man roster listed on the pregame injury report.

One of those players listed was Zaza Pachulia, who at tip-off was starting alongside Khris Middleton, Epke Udoh, O.J. Mayo and Nate Wolters.

Of the remaining players on the injury report two were inactive, two did not travel with the team, and one did not practice. Gary Neal and Ridnour, both listed on the report, saw limited minutes from the bench.

The Bucks’ top performer was Mayo who had 20 points on the night. His average of 17.7 ppg leads the team.

The Pacers are headed to Chicago for their second of four games against the Bulls on Saturday, November 16.

After winning their last three games, the Bulls are looking to break the Pacers’ streak. The Bulls lead the series 87-78 and have a 56-23 record when the games are played in Chicago.

In looking ahead to tomorrow’s matchup head coach Frank Vogel said, “It’s always difficult to go there, but we’re up for the challenge.”

For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.pacers.com.