HOUSTON, Jan. 21 (UPI) -- Rafer Alston scored 23 points Wednesday and Houston rode a near-perfect effort from the free-throw line to defeat Utah 108-99.
Alston made five three-pointers in seven tries and Yao Ming chipped in 19 points and 12 rebounds. Van Wafer had 21 points and Luis Scola 19.
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Houston completed a 5-1 homestand despite Tracy McGrady (knee) and Ron Artest (ankle) missing all five games. The Rockets went to the foul line 28 times and missed just once. They made 10 in a row from the line in the final 90 seconds to preserve their lead.
Utah was led by Deron Williams with 32 and Ronnie Brewer with 23. The Jazz got only eight points from their bench.
