The Indiana coach and players looked bewildered today, as they were steamrolled 118-89 by Dallas. "I'm not sure they knew what hit them," said Dallas coach Bob. "It didn't really seem like they came out with much of a plan, instead playing like a pickup team. I hate to criticize [Indiana coach] Coach Hitch, but I don't think he did his job preparing for this game."

That has been an increasingly frequent impression in Indiana games, leading many supporters to call for the coach's head. The players tend to avoid the matter, but today was the final straw for Indiana star Cato. "We couldn't believe what we were hearing in practices. Stuff like, 'just go out and do your best and good things will happen.' He didn't show us any film of Dallas, and we really came out today with no idea what to expect. I try to be a team player and all, but when the coach isn't doing his job, we're not going to win."

Dallas was led by Digiulio (25 points, 5 boards, 6 assists, a block), Bera (18 points, 12 boards, 1 assists), Lenahan (8 points, 7 boards, 9 assists). Indiana was led by Cato (13 points, 8 assists), Ouzts (13 points, 5 boards, 0 assists, 2 blocks), Love (19 points, 0 assists).

Dallas extended their winning streak 9 games and jump to 46-29 and 29-9 at home. They remain at #2 in the Southwest and stay at #4 overall in the Western Conference. Indiana stand at 20-55 with this loss. They hold at #5 in the Central and stay at #15 overall in the Eastern Conference.

box score Dallas roster Indiana* roster