A collapse by Chicago led to a 113-102 beating by Houston, increasing the pressure on the Chicago coach. Bob had to suffer through the game as his players were ineffective and his former fans were heckling. To make matters worse, the team was dominated by hated Houston, a bad thing for any Chicago coach.

"That ---- man can't win a ---- game if his ---- life depended on it!" screamed one disgruntled fan, who is obviously tired of Chicago losing ways. While Chicago deny it, rumors about that they have already started a search for a new coach who can turn this franchise around.

It was just more fuel for the fire today when Houston took Chicago behind the woodpile for a 113-102 whooping. Although Vegas was predicting a Houston win, many people believed the Chicago certainly had the talent to knock them off. Peterson did everything in his power to help his coach, but in the end Howard led the Houston to victory.

"You hate to see somebody with Bob's character go through this. It's just a sad sight," commented Houston coach Bob. "We're obviously delighted to get the victory over such a worthy adversary in a big rivalry game like this, and all I can do is credit my players, my assistants, and our fans."

Houston was led by Howard (23 points, 2 assists, 2 blocks), James (15 points, 13 boards, 0 assists, a block), Conner (24 points). Chicago was led by Peterson (18 points, 10 boards, 2 assists, a block), Williams (18 points, 5 boards, 1 assists), Espinoza (15 points, 10 boards, 1 assists).

With this win, Houston jump to 8-3 and 5-0 at home. They hold at #2 in the Southwest and stay at #4 overall in the Western Conference. Chicago extended their losing streak 5 games and fall to 2-9. They remain at #5 in the Central and stay at #15 overall in the Eastern Conference.

box score Houston roster Chicago roster