The fans got what they came out for, as Houston won a seesaw 80-79 victory over Utah. "What a great game to have been a part of," said Houston star Battle. "The momentum kept changing and neither team really had a chance to run away with the game. It just came down to having more in the tank at the end, and that was us."

Utah coach Coach Young was less enthusiastic about the game. "We had our chances to win the game, but didn't convert them. I'm most bothered that it seemed like we faded down the stretch; I think we may need to spend a little more time working on conditioning in the future. Regardless, it was a great game. Battle and [Utah star] Robinson really put on a show for the fans."

Houston was led by Battle (18 points, 7 boards, 0 assists, a block), Lewis (18 points, a steal), Hurd (6 points, 3 steals). Utah was led by Robinson (21 points, 1 assists, 2 blocks), Patton (15 points, 8 boards, 2 assists, a block), Cummings (17 points).

Houston stand at 25-8 and 15-0 at home after today's victory. They stay at #2 in the Southwest and remain at #4 overall in the Western Conference. With this loss, Utah drop to 26-7. They stay at #1 in the Northwest and stay at #2 overall in the Western Conference.

box score Houston roster Utah* roster