The fans got what they came out for, as Houston won a seesaw 78-75 victory over Utah. "What a great game to have been a part of," said Houston star Gagne. "The momentum kept changing and neither team really had a chance to run away with the game. It just came down to having more in the tank at the end, and that was us."

Utah coach Coach Young was less enthusiastic about the game. "We had our chances to win the game, but didn't convert them. I'm most bothered that it seemed like we faded down the stretch; I think we may need to spend a little more time working on conditioning in the future. Regardless, it was a great game. Gagne and [Utah star] Feaster really put on a show for the fans."

Houston was led by Gagne (6 points, 21 boards, 0 assists, 4 blocks), Sims (21 points, 7 boards, 0 assists, 3 blocks), Laboy (18 points, 2 steals). Utah was led by Feaster (24 points, 17 boards, 1 assists, a steal, 2 blocks), Patton (23 points, 2 steals), Hurd (5 points, 2 steals, a block).

After today's win, Houston jump to 26-19. They stay at #2 in the Southwest and remain at #6 overall in the Western Conference. Utah fall to 24-20 and 12-9 at home. They hold at #3 in the Northwest and remain at #7 overall in the Western Conference.

box score Houston roster Utah* roster