A collapse by Houston led to a 96-81 beating by Denver, increasing the pressure on the Houston 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 Denver, a bad thing for any Houston coach.

"That ---- man can't win a ---- game if his ---- life depended on it!" screamed one disgruntled fan, who is obviously tired of Houston losing ways. While Houston 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 Denver took Houston behind the woodpile for a 96-81 whooping. Although Vegas was predicting a Denver win, many people believed the Houston certainly had the talent to knock them off. Groninger did everything in his power to help his coach, but in the end Phillips led the Denver to victory.

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

Denver was led by Phillips (22 points, 16 boards, 1 assists, a steal), Banks (27 points, 0 assists), Slayton (10 points, 6 boards, 1 assists, a steal, a block). Houston was led by Groninger (15 points, 8 boards, 1 assists), Sims (10 points, 2 assists, a steal, 2 blocks), Robertson (6 points, 5 boards, 4 assists, 2 steals).

With today's win, Denver stand at 20-12. They stay at #2 in the Northwest and remain at #5 overall in the Western Conference. With today's defeat, Houston fall to 15-17 and 9-9 at home. They stay at #3 in the Southwest and stay at #10 overall in the Western Conference.

box score Denver roster Houston roster