Utah downed New Orleans today 81-80, thanks to a solid effort by star Perkins. The game lived up to its hype, with both teams having their moments but neither side able to dominate for any extended length of time. Said Perkins after the game, "This one could have easily gone either way. We're just glad that we came out with the win." Coach Coach Young echoed the sentiments, saying "New Orleans came out strong and ready to play, and we knew from the start that it would be a battle out there. Probably if we played them 10 times, both sides would get five wins. But we got the win today, and that's what counts."

New Orleans players were disappointed after the game, and coach Bob had his hands full keeping their spirits up. "They know they played their hearts out today, and that it wasn't enough. That's a tough feeling. Especially for Ziegler, who had one heck of a game but couldn't carry the whole team on his shoulders."

Utah was led by Perkins (16 points, 5 boards, 6 assists, 2 steals, 6 blocks), Robinson (26 points, 6 boards, 1 assists), Patton (12 points, 5 boards, 1 assists). New Orleans was led by Ziegler (33 points, 0 assists, 3 blocks), Brown (6 points, 5 boards, 6 assists, 2 steals), Williams (13 points, a steal).

Utah improve to 23-5. They remain at #1 in the Northwest and remain at #2 overall in the Western Conference. With today's defeat, New Orleans fall to 11-16 and 5-9 at home. They stay at #4 in the Southwest and hold at #12 overall in the Western Conference.

box score Utah* roster New Orleans roster