NBA: Houston 86, Portland 83

HOUSTON, April 25 (UPI) -- Aaron Brooks chased down the rebound of his own missed free throw as time expired Friday, clinching Houston's 86-83 victory over Portland.

Houston took a 2-1 lead in the playoff series despite letting almost all of a 17-point, third-quarter lead melt away. The Trail Blazers came within 81-80 when Rudy Fernandez made a 3-point shot with 18 seconds to go, but Brooks and Shane Battier then made two free throws each to boost the Rockets' advantage back to five points.

After Portland gave itself a chance with Steve Blake's 3-pointer with 3 seconds to play, Brooks was fouled. He made the first free throw for a three-point lead, but his second attempt hit the left side of the rim and bounced toward the sideline.

If Portland had been able to corral the loose ball, the Trail Blazers would have had a chance to force overtime. Brooks, however, outran everybody to the ball and dribbled away the final seconds.

Houston, which handed Portland its most one-sided home playoff loss ever in the opening game of the series, was led by Luis Scola with 19 points. Battier added 16 and Brooks had 11.

The Trail Blazers got 19 points from Brandon Roy, who scored 42 in Portland's victory in the second game on Tuesday.

Houston will host the fourth game Sunday.