Needing to impress the national media, Oklahoma Cty coach Bob showed no mercy and ran up a 112-86 score against New Orleans. "Maybe we can get some credit now," commented coach Bob after the game. "No matter what we've done right this season, there have always been those who find something to doubt. So hopefully this 112-to-86 win can shut them up a little bit. I hate to have to do this to [New Orleans coach] Bob; he's got a great program and we never like to run up the score. But I don't think we had any other choice."

Bob was understanding. "I'm not upset at all. Bob is a classy coach, but was left with no choice by all the criticism he was taking. We'll just have to pick up the pieces and try to regroup before our next game."

Oklahoma Cty was led by Valentine (22 points, 9 boards, 4 assists, 2 steals, 3 blocks), Plungis (19 points, 6 boards, 0 assists), Brown (21 points, 2 steals). New Orleans was led by Jaramillo (10 points, 7 boards, 1 assists, 2 blocks), Ensley (11 points, 2 assists, 2 steals), Taylor (13 points, a block).

Oklahoma Cty stand at 23-17 and 12-8 at home after the victory. They remain at #2 in the Northwest and remain at #6 overall in the Western Conference. New Orleans broke their winning streak at 13 games, and drop to 26-15. They stay at #1 in the Southwest and hold at #3 overall in the Western Conference.

box score Oklahoma Cty roster New Orleans roster