KANSAS CITY, Mo., Oct. 13 (UPI) -- Rookie Terence Morris had his best game as a professional Saturday night, helping the Houston Rockets produce a 98-85 exhibition victory over the Detroit Pistons.
Morris, a second-round pick from the University of Maryland, got the start and responded with 18 points on six-of-12 shooting.
The athletic 6-9 swingman is expected to earn a spot with the Rockets (1-2). He had seen limited action in the first two preseason games, scoring six points.
Houston's Steve Francis scored 12 points and dished out 13 assists.
Oscar Torres, a 25-year-old veteran of the Venezuelan League, scored 18 points and Kenny Thomas added 17 and 12 rebounds for the Rockets. Rookie Eddie Griffin missed the game with an ankle injury and fellow forward Glen Rice also sat out.
Houston trailed at halftime, 40-37, but took control by shooting 60 percent from the field in the second half. The Rockets shot 48 percent overall.
Jon Barry scored 16 points for the Pistons (2-1). Barry was acquired from Sacramento in the deal that sent local favorite Mateen Cleves to the Kings.
Rodney White, Detroit's first-round pick, scored just two points in 15 minutes.
