New Orleans managed to take today's game against Portland into overtime, but didn't have enough gas in the tank to come out with the win. "We played a great regulation," said losing coach Bob. "But coach Bob managed to get his team to step it up a notch going into overtime, something we couldn't muster."

Said Bob, "I think their intensity surprised us a bit coming out of the gate. And they managed to keep it up the whole game, and our players felt pretty lucky to even get the game into overtime. We can thank Smith for that, as well as some lucky breaks. I'm just glad our leaders stepped up in overtime and got us the win. In the final standings, that's all that matters."

Portland was led by Smith (28 points, 5 boards, 7 assists), Vanderveer (8 points, 11 boards, 1 assists, a steal, a block), Haines (11 points, 6 boards, 1 assists, 3 blocks). New Orleans was led by Obryant (11 points, 9 boards, 0 assists, 3 blocks), Feaster (11 points, 6 boards, 0 assists, 2 blocks), Penny (16 points, a steal).

Portland stand at 17-16 and 8-7 at home after the win. They improve to #3 in the Northwest and move up to #7 overall in the Western Conference. With this loss, New Orleans stand at 13-18. They stay at #4 in the Southwest and hold at #12 overall in the Western Conference.

box score Portland roster New Orleans roster