Banchero leads Magic to win as Hornets struggle from foul line

CHARLOTTE,N.C. (AP) — Paolo Banchero had 22 points and 10 rebounds, WendellCarter Jr. added 20 points and 12 rebounds and the Orlando Magictook advantage of Charlotte’s poor foul shooting to beat theHornets 119-113 Sunday.

The Hornetsmade just one of nine free throws in the fourth quarter whileOrlando was going 13 of 15. Charlotte finished 11 of 23 from theline in its fourth straight loss — Orlando wound up 27 of 30 onfoul shots.

MarkelleFultz had 16 points and Frank Wagner chipped in with 14 for theMagic, who improved to 9-19 on the road. Orlando has won three ofits last four overall.

The Magicovercame a terrific second half by LaMelo Ball, who had 26 of his33 points after the break and finished with six 3-pointers. TerryRozier had 24 points for the Hornets.

Charlottetrailed by five after three quarters, but Ball knocked downback-to-back 3s in the first 33 seconds of the fourth period for a91-90 lead.

TheHornets’ momentum didn’t last long as the Magic built a 110-103lead behind Fultz, who scored on short jumpers and finished 8 of 13from the field.

MasonPlumlee missed a layup and four straight free throws during thatspan as the Magic began to pull away.

Wagnerhelped seal the win with a step-through in the lane for a layup toput the Magic up 115-107 with 35 seconds left.

Orlandooutrebounded Charlotte 52-39.

TIP-INS

Magic: MoBamba and Jalen Suggs sat outfollowing their suspensions from analtercationwith the Minnesota Timberwolves. Bamba beganserving a four-game suspension, while Suggs served his one-gamesuspension. ... Finished road trip 3-1.

Hornets:Ball has now made a 3-pointer in 43 straight games. ... DennisSmith Jr. had 14 points off the bench, but Charlotte’s bench wasoutscored 39-28.

UPNEXT

Magic: HostKnicks on Tuesday night.

Hornets:Visit Washington on Wednesday night.