Photo by NBAE / Getty Images

The Charlotte Bobcats returned home to a sell-out crowd (19,164) Saturday, but couldn’t stop the New Orleans Hornets in the second half as they lost 104-99.

The Bobcats (24-25) led 53-43 at the end of the first half, but a 36-point third quarter from the Hornets (27-24) proved to be the difference maker.

“We just looked like we had tired legs,” said Bobcats Head Coach Larry Brown. “Raymond Felton and Stephen Jackson executed and made shots in the third quarter, they played great. In the fourth quarter, they (the Hornets) made some tough shots and we missed some key free throws. When you’re coming from behind, you have to play perfect.”

The Hornets were led by rookie Darren Collison who filled in at point guard for the injured Chris Paul. Collison scored a career-high 24 points against the Bobcats on 9-of-17 shooting.

“We got a couple of layups in transition,” said Collison. “When you get easy baskets, it gets everyone going and it gives you momentum. We executed well on the offensive end, but none of it would have happened if we didn’t play defense.”

The stingy Hornets defense held Charlotte to 32 percent shooting in the third quarter and secured a 79-74 lead to enter the fourth quarter.

“There wasn’t any energy,” said Jackson. “Everybody’s got to bring it every night for us to win; we can’t take nights off.”

The Bobcats will be back in action Tuesday when the Washington Wizards (17-32) come to town. Tuesday’s game will be the last home game before All-Star Gerald Wallace heads to Dallas for NBA All-Star Weekend, so be sure to visit bobcats.com for your tickets today.