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Raptors cap preseason with blowout win over Wizards

Oct 27, 2007 - 1:59 AM By Brian Herman PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

TORONTO (Ticker) -- The Toronto Raptors posted a convincing victory in preseason action as they defeated the Washington Wizards, 98-64, at the Air Canada Centre on Friday night.

For the second straight night, Toronto led by at least 30 points as it shot 49 percent (36-of-73) from the field. The Raptors never trailed and led by as many as 34 on a reverse dunk by Maceo Baston with 23 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.

Toronto forward Andrea Bargnani, celebrating his 22nd birthday, put on an impressive performance - scoring 17 points on 6-of-9 shooting to go along with eight rebounds in just 23 minutes.

The Raptors went on 22-7 run in the first quarter to stretch a lead they would never relinquish. The spurt was highlighted by 10 points from Bargnani.

Toronto was never threatened during the game as they led by 11 after the first quarter, by 25 at halftime and 29 after the third.

Newcomer Carlos Delfino and Juan Dixon led the way for Toronto off the bench with 10 points apiece.

Washington was playing without All-Star guard Gilbert Arenas, who sat out the final preseason game for the Wizards as a precautionary measure. The superstar was resting his surgically repaired left knee.

DeShawn Stevenson scored 12 points for the Wizards, who netted just 26 points and shot only 28 percent (10-of-36) in the first half.

Toronto finished the preseason winning its last four games and open up the season on Wednesday against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Washington, conversely, lost its last three games to end the preseason and begin the year at Indiana on Wednesday.