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Armstrong, Haluska lead Hornets to comeback win over Rockets

Oct 10, 2007 - 3:11 AM OKLAHOMA CITY (Ticker) -- The Houston Rockets jumped out to an early lead, but a couple of recent draft picks helped bring the New Orleans Hornets back.

Hilton Armstrong and rookie Adam Haluska combined for 19 points in the fourth quarter as the Hornets erased a 21-point first-quarter deficit to defeat the Rockets, 94-92, in the preseason opener for both teams on Tuesday.

Chris Paul had 14 points and Peja Stojakovic added 13 for the Hornets, who were down, 30-9, after the first quarter.

Armstrong scored 12 points, including six during an 11-4 run midway through the fourth quarter that gave the Hornets an 88-82 lead with 4:07 remaining. The 12th overall pick in the 2006 draft also had six rebounds and four blocks.

Rockets point guard Rafer Alston, who was arrested twice over the summer, had nine points, five assists and four steals.

In the battle for the backup point guard spot, Mike James scored eight points and Steve Francis did not attempt a shot in four minutes, while committing two turnovers.

Hornets free agent acquisition Morris Peterson struggled, shooting 0-of-6 from the floor, including 0-of-4 from the arc.

Yao Ming scored 13 points in 17 minutes and Luther Head added 12 off the bench for the Rockets. Neither Yao or Tracy McGrady - who scored four points on 1-of-5 shooting - played in the second half.