Rockets 102, Nuggets 89

(Houston-AP) -- Steve Francis did a good job of quarterbacking a balanced offense.<br><br>Francis had 18 points and tied his season high with 12 assists as the Rockets had seven players in double figures

Sunday, March 30th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Houston-AP) -- Steve Francis did a good job of quarterbacking a balanced offense.

Francis had 18 points and tied his season high with 12 assists as the Rockets had seven players in double figures in a 102-to-89 victory over the Denver Nuggets last night in Houston.

The Rockets led 81-68 at the start of the fourth quarter, but the Nuggets got the lead down to 89-85 with just over three-and-a-half minutes to play. Maurice Taylor then hit a jumper, Francis scored on a fast break and Taylor added a three-point play for a 96-85 lead with two minutes and seven seconds to go.

Taylor had nine of his 15 points in the fourth quarter. Kelvin Cato added 14 points and six blocked shots. Yao Ming had eleven points and two rebounds.

Yao played only 15 minutes and was slowed by four fouls.

The Nuggets dropped to 4-and-33 on the road. That's the second worst road record in the NBA.

Marcus Camby led the Nuggets with 18 points and 15 rebounds and Nene Hilario added 17 points.

The Rockets are back on the court tomorrow when they visit the New Jersey Nets.