A collapse by New Orleans led to a 110-90 beating by Indiana, increasing the pressure on the New Orleans 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 Indiana, a bad thing for any New Orleans coach.

"That ---- man can't win a ---- game if his ---- life depended on it!" screamed one disgruntled fan, who is obviously tired of New Orleans losing ways. While New Orleans 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 Indiana took New Orleans behind the woodpile for a 110-90 whooping. Although Vegas was predicting a Indiana win, many people believed the New Orleans certainly had the talent to knock them off. Ziegler did everything in his power to help his coach, but in the end Wade led the Indiana to victory.

"You hate to see somebody with Bob's character go through this. It's just a sad sight," commented Indiana coach Coach Hitch. "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."

Indiana was led by Wade (17 points, 16 boards, 1 assists), Battle (25 points, 5 boards, 0 assists, a block), Sanders (19 points, 5 boards, 2 assists, 2 steals, a block). New Orleans was led by Ziegler (25 points, 5 boards, 1 assists, 5 blocks), Reid (18 points, a steal), Smiley (12 points, 6 boards, 1 assists, a block).

With this win, Indiana stand at 8-3 and 4-0 at home. They remain at #2 in the Central and hold at #4 overall in the Eastern Conference. With this loss, New Orleans are now 3-8. They hold at #5 in the Southwest and stay at #14 overall in the Western Conference.

box score Indiana* roster New Orleans roster