NBA: Houston 91, Charlotte 86

CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 13 (UPI) -- Ron Artest blocked a shot that could have tied the game Friday and converted that play into a layup to give the Houston Rockets a 91-86 triumph over Charlotte.

The Rockets defeated the Bobcats for the seventh straight time.

Yao Ming led the way for Houston with 23 points and eight rebounds. Luis Scola had 15 and Artest contributed 10.

Yao made his first 3-point shot of the season just before the shot clock ran out to give Houston an 83-77 lead with 2 minutes to play. Charlotte rallied to go in front 86-85, but Houston then got a jumper from Artest and two free throws by Aaron Brooks to regain an 89-86 advantage.

Charlotte had a chance to tie the game, but Artest blocked a 3-point bid by Vladimir Radmanovic and then dribbled the length of the court for the game-clinching layup.

Gerald Wallace led the Bobcats with 17 points.