Needing to impress the national media, Houston coach Bob showed no mercy and ran up a 113-88 score against Phoenix. "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 113-to-88 win can shut them up a little bit. I hate to have to do this to [Phoenix 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."

Houston was led by Evans (36 points, 0 assists, 2 blocks), Thompson (15 points, 11 boards, 0 assists, a block), Lloyd (13 points, 12 boards, 0 assists, a block). Phoenix was led by Berry (24 points, 3 assists, a block), Crandell (6 points, 6 boards, 1 assists, 2 blocks), Mercer (7 points).

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