(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-11-25 19:09

WASHINGTON -- The Milwaukee Bucks snatched their fifth victory in a row on Saturday when holding off the Dallas Mavericks 97-95 at the Bradley Center.

The game was close throughout as neither team led by more than five points that saw 15 lead changes and 10 ties.

Rookie Yi Jianlian, Milwaukee's top pick in this year's NBA draft, had nine points and seven rebounds and two assists, shooting 2/9 from the field and 5/6 from the free throw line in 32 minutes. The Chinese was very instrumental in this win by making big plays and playing great defense against last year's league MVP Dirk Nowitzki.

"I thought Yi was big at the end of the game on Dirk. Yi did a real commendable job," said Larry Krystkoviak, Bucks coach.

Under a minute left in the game when a loose ball was tipped by Yi who kept it alive and Bogut grabbed it and scored putting the Bucks up by four 91-87.

Also at the 4:40 mark of the fourth quarter, Yi was posting up against Nowitzki. Yi took the entry pass down on the block, quickly spun, gaining a step on Nowitzki and then dunking the ball over him and DeSegana Diop, giving the Bucks a 79-76 lead.

"According to the match boxscore, I really did a good job on defence and I am very happy about it," Yi said.

Jason Terry got hot for Dallas in the fourth quarter hitting 6 three pointers, but several big plays from the Bucks kept Milwaukee the victor.

Milwaukee continues to out rebound their opponents, winning the battle of the boards on this night 42-38.

The Bucks with seven wins against four losses are to take on Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday night at home, a game that starts a tough four game in five night stretch.